Minnesota

Wild River State Park, located about 55 miles northeast of Minneapolis, is a fantastic getaway and caters to a wide-variety of visitors. If you have an afternoon and are looking for an easy hike through a variety of natural environments, take The River Trail north, then follow the Old Lodging Tra...

To get to the trailhead coming from Grand Marais, drive northeast on highway 61 until you come to Grand Portage Village. Turn right onto Store Rd (73) and continue straight until you come to a T (Mile Creek Rd/17). Turn left and continue straight on Upper Rd until you come to a small parking lot ...

An easy hour along the North Shore Scenic Byway from Duluth, Tettagouche State Park is a rugged, 10,000 acre park on Lake Superior. Although the interior of the park offers miles of trails to waterfalls and mountain tops, the best way to see the coast is to take the easy hike to Shovel Point. Beg...

The Quarry Loop is an easy hike in Banning State Park, which draws its name from the abandoned sandstone quarry you pass along the way. The trail's rival attraction is the whitewater of the Kettle River, visible as you hike, including the Blueberry Slide, Mother's Delight, and Dragon's Tooth rapi...

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...

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...

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 ...

Getting to the trailhead:From Hwy. 61, turn left onto Hwy. 1 (at milepost 59.3) and travel 0.8 miles to the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) parking lot on the left side of the road (very easy to miss!). The Hike:Once you get to the parking lot, cross Hwy. 1 and walk up the road to meet the SHT that c...

Gooseberry Falls State Park is the first State Park you hit traveling up the North Shore after leaving Duluth. Located 13 miles north of Two Harbors on Highway 61, Gooseberry Falls State Park a quick turn off of the highway which is very well marked with signs. Follow signs for Falls parking. Yo...

Caribou Falls is a true hidden gem located along the Superior Hiking trail on Minnesota's North Shore. To access the falls, begin at the Caribou Falls State Wayside rest, off of Highway 61 just north of Little Marais. The trailhead is marked on the Superior Hiking Trail sign in the parking lot. ...

Glacial Lakes State Park is located on the easternmost border of the once immense prairie that covered much of the Great Plains. This prairie oasis gives visitors a taste of what traveling across the that treeless wilderness would have been like for American Indians and pioneers two hundred years...

This hike is very short and rewarding. It doesn't take longer than 15 minutes if you wanted to make it a quick pit stop before or after you hike Carlton Peak.From Hwy 61 just near Tofte, MN take Sawbill Trail. Go roughly 2.5 miles and the parking lot will be on your right. Once you are on the tra...

Getting to the trailhead:The trailhead for the Honeymoon Bluff trail is just off of Co 66 (Clearwater Rd) which is 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail. From Grand Marais, turn north on the Gunflint Trail (Co Rd 12) and go about 27 miles until you reach Co 66. Turn right and continue for 3.25 miles to ...

This is a must-visit if you find yourself near the Minnesota-Canadian border by Lake Superior. A quick turn into the Grand Portage State Park parking lot off of Highway 61, and a short 0.5 mile walk (from the parking lot) is all it takes to see one of the most breathtaking waterfalls Minnesota h...

Gooseberry Falls State Park is the first State Park you hit traveling up the North Shore after leaving Duluth. Located 13 miles north of Two Harbors on Highway 61, Gooseberry Falls State Park a quick turn off of the highway which is very well marked with signs. Follow signs for Falls parking. Beg...

First, things first - plan your trip well! There are many details that need to go into planning even a short trip into the Boundary Waters. Various websites and companies exist to help you plan and check off all of the boxes prior to your departure date. The bwca.com website is one I found to be ...