Hiking

Looking for places to hike in Minnesota?

Here is where I share information and observations about the trails I have explored.

  • photo of Split Rock lighthouse showing cliff and triangular lower rocks. Lake Superior horizon
    Split Rock Lighthouse state park

    There are two state parks in Minnesota with the name Split Rock. I am curious about the other Split Rock State Park in Southern Minnesota, but I’ll focus on Split Rock Lighthouse State Park for this article. It is between Two Harbors and Silver Bay on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The image of…

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  • View of Lake Superior from Tettegouche State Park's Shovel Point overlook
    Tettegouche State Park

    This gem on Lake Superior is a State Park with free parking! The Visitor Center is modern and clean and a great home base for day hikes. Waterfalls, Cascades, and dramatic cliffs at the edge of Lake Superior.

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  • Elm Creek Park Reserve

    Anoka county is the home of this expanse of forest and grassland just a bit north and west of Minneapolis. There are multiple ways to get here. If you drive, the best place to park depends on the activities you have planned for yourself. I followed the signs that directed me to the south parking…

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  • chapel in the woods
    St. John’s Abbey Arboretum

    St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota has approximately 3,000 acres of land and 15 miles of trails that are open to the public. This is very generous of them and I offer gratitude for it. “Make accessible a natural environment that invites spiritual renewal” That quote is from their mission statement. A worthwhile goal!

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  • small stream falling over the edge of a rock
    Fairy Falls

    Stillwater, Minnesota has a wealth of trails, streams, and interesting rock formations. I thought I had seen them all but this place was new to me. I’ve been there twice now and plan to return so I can continue to explore. It is a small acreage owned by the National Park Service with a lot…

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  • natural rock wall along one side of a trail in the woods
    Banning State Park

    This is a great park to check out for either a quick walk or a longer hike. It is close to Interstate Highway 35 and very convenient for people traveling between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Duluth.

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