Welch, Minnesota

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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!

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...

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...

From the Visitor Center Parking lot follow the Riverside Trail along the side of the lot and down the main road. You will go under the bridge and while walking next to the road you can see great views of Lake Alice. When you reach the bottom of the hill, turn right to walk alongside the lake. On ...

Roughly an hour north of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Metro, is William O’Brien State Park. Located on the Saint Croix River, this park is a great place for just getting away from the city lights and into nature. The park has two campgrounds, which are the Savanna and Riverway campgrounds. Eac...

Whitewater State Park is at the cusp of bluff country, straddling the Whitewater River, a small tributary of the Mississippi. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit. In Spring you'll hit wildflower season when the forest glades in the depths of the valley folds are literally carpeted with ...