Hiking | Visit Twin Cities https://visit-twincities.com Fri, 12 Apr 2019 22:00:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://i1.wp.com/visit-twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/vtc-icon-whitebg.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Hiking | Visit Twin Cities https://visit-twincities.com 32 32 106052805 Top 5 hiking trails in and around Minneapolis https://visit-twincities.com/blog/top-5-hiking-trails-in-and-around-minneapolis/ Tue, 24 Apr 2018 19:01:26 +0000 http://visit-twincities.com/?page_id=128606 These are the top 5 places to hike when you're in Minneapolis

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Top 5 hiking trails in and around Minneapolis

Let’s get one thing clear: Hiking is a big deal in Minneapolis. As you probably know, there are many benefits of taking the dirt-trail less traveled. Aside from the obvious peace of mind, tranquility and thigh burn, hiking is a great way to experience the great outdoors while staying close to the city.

Sure, many cities in America have urban hiking trails, but few have as many trails as Minneapolis. Maybe that’s why Minneapolis has been named one of the best places to live by Outside Magazine time and time again.

We’ve rounded up some of the best hikes in the city and surrounding area that will satisfy your hiking itch. Even better, most of these hikes can be reached by city bus or light rail. While you’re at it, check out our guide to hiking in St Paul

 

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden 

Molly O.

Summer at Eloise Butler

The gold standard of urban hiking, the trails of Eloise Butler take hikers through a web of scenic Minnesota low-land. Park your car at Eloise Butler (or, better yet, take the city bus there), and set off on one of the many trails that meander through untouched ponds and vibrant marsh ecosystems. If you take the hike in the summer, the buzz of the freeway will soon fade away, replaced by the hum of frogs and cicadas.

 

Minnehaha Falls Regional Park

People visiting Minnehaha Falls at Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Kyle Smelter

Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls Regional Park has something for everyone—including the hikers who want to escape the buzz of the city but also want to end up at a cool urban eatery afterward. Starting at the Minnehaha Falls picnic area, the trail drops visitors into rolling, bucolic wonderland that includes over 10-miles of trails and handsome views of the 53-foot-tall Minnehaha waterfall. Even better, you’ll end up right where you started, at the crux of Minnehaha Falls and the adjacent Sea Salt Eatery. The crawfish po’boy is always worth the wait.

 

Carver Park Reserve

Carver Park Reserve Canopy

Boasting the most trails in the west metro, Carver Park is a great place to spend an afternoon. If you go at dusk, you’ll no doubt be joined by local swallows and perhaps even a bald eagle or two. Take in Minnesota’s diverse swampland from Carver Park’s boardwalk—a 1,700 foot floating boardwalk that will transport you in the eerie tamarack swamps.

Fort Snelling 

Fort Snelling State Park

 Long before Minnesota received its statehood, Fort Snelling was a military outpost. During the Civil War era, it even served as a training ground for Union soldiers. Now, the trails—which traverse through the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers and link up to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge—will immerse you in this history and the decades of conflict between the colonizers and the rivers’ original settlers, the Objibwe people.

 

Murphy-Hanrehan Park 

Couple hiking with child in the Twin Cities

Starting at the Old Cedar Bridge, the Murphy-Hanrehan trail system is an oasis for hikers and mountain bikers. You’ll link up with the Wood Duck trail which will lead you through some of the hilliest terrain in the Twin Cities. At 20 miles, Murphy-Hanrehan is one of the most diverse parks in the metro area, providing both hilly forests and flat marshlands. The diversity makes for some of the best bird watching in town. Expect to see blackbirds, blue herons and egrets on this hike.

 

Need some more insider info?

The writers at Visit Twin Cities are here to answer any questions you're still left with as a visitor or potential visitor to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro region. Click below to send us a message, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!

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Fall Color Favorites https://visit-twincities.com/hit-the-road/stories/fall-color-favorites/ Fri, 08 Sep 2017 21:07:45 +0000 http://visit-twincities.com/?page_id=126315 The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge top our list for the best Minneapolis and St. Paul fall colors hotspots.

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MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL FALL COLORS

A roundup of some of the best places to see Minneapolis and St. Paul fall colors

Image by Josh/flickr

Say what you want about Minnesota seasons, but the changes make for the most beautiful scenery. This is especially apparent during the fall months when Mother Nature changes her wardrobe from forest green to a palette of blazing golds, oranges and reds. Here’s a list of our favorite “runways” in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

A collection of trees with fall colors at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.Image by Kevin T. Houle/flickr

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

If Mother Nature had its own Mona Lisa, Sistine Chapel ceiling or Starry Night canvas in the Twin Cities, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum would be it. The arboretum’s green spaces spread out for more than 1,200 acres, and their gardens, tree collections, prairies, woods and trails are sprouting with more than 5,000 plant species and varieties. No frills here, just natural beauty at its best.

An overlook of the St. Croix River during the fall with a cruise boat on its waters.Image by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/flickr

St. Croix River Valley

A short 20 mile drive from downtown St. Paul will bring you to one of the state’s most prized towns and locations—Stillwater in the St. Croix River Valley. The charming city on the banks of the St. Croix River has been voted one of America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns by USA Today Travel and one of America’s Best Towns for Fall Colors by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Traverse the trails by the river lined with towering rocky facades or hop aboard a public cruise from St. Croix Boat & Packet Co. for some wining, dining and sightseeing (just pretend that rhymes better than it does).

A pond and trees during fall at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.Image by USFWSmidwest/flickr

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

This slice of natural heaven south of Bloomington blankets 14,000 acres and stretches for nearly 70 miles along the Minnesota River. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge‘s protected land provides a critical and safe habitat for migratory waterfowl, fish and other threatened wildlife, including coyotes, bald eagles and trout. If you are looking to get lost in the splendor and beauty of the outdoors in the heart of the city, look no further.

A bridge over the creek down from Minnehaha Falls at Minnehaha Regional Park.Image by Corey Anderson/flickr

Minnehaha Regional Park

How do you make a lush display of fall colors even better? By tossing in a 53-foot waterfall that crashes over limestone bluffs. The accompanying trail and creek that winds their way through a dense forest before reaching the Mississippi River don’t hurt, either. Check out the explosion of color at Minnehaha Regional Park, and then head over to Sea Salt Eatery for some of the best seafood around and Sebastian Joe’s ice cream.

A lake lined with trees during fall at Fort Snelling State Park.Image by NatureNerd/flickr

Fort Snelling State Park

Like the 64 count box of Crayola Crayons from your elementary school days, Fort Snelling State Park is overflowing with color. One of the state’s top 10 tourist attractions, the park sees an average of more than 400,000 visitors every year, and its 18 miles of hiking trails, 5 miles of biking trails and canoe rental options offer a myriad of ways to get out and see the fall foliage.

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Jay Cooke State Park https://visit-twincities.com/see-do/recreation/hiking/jay-cooke-state-park/ Fri, 04 Aug 2017 19:34:28 +0000 http://visit-twincities.com/?page_id=126044 Visit Jay Cooke State Park, Minnesota's seventh largest park for more than 50 trails of hiking, gorgeous views of the St. Louis River and more.

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THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF JAY COOKE

Jay Cooke State Park gives you a piece of rugged Minnesota you didn’t even know we had

All photos courtesy of Cassie Bauman

By Lianna Matt

At Jay Cooke State Park, the St. Louis River flows smoothly over and around the rocks.In her 23 years as a park naturalist, Kristine Hiller has been at Minnesota’s Jay Cooke State Park for 17 of them. As the state’s seventh largest park, more than 300,000 people visit it year-round with almost 35,000 making overnight camping trips. With the park’s location about 23 miles southwest of Duluth, it’s the perfect highlight for a weekend trip out of the cities or even a Duluth day trip.

If you have your doubts about the two hour drive up, the first impression you get of Jay Cooke will make them go away. Depending on your route, you’ll catch alluring glimpses of the St. Louis River from the road, but when you cross the swinging bridge near the entrance of the park, well … The view will take your breath away.

“You know, the first time I drove in—and I think to a lot of our first time visitors—it’s an unexpected place,” Hiller says. “The river, because of the rapids and the slanted rocks that look so rugged. … People don’t expect to see something like that in Minnesota. There is also lots of terrain, and we think of Minnesota as being a flat state.”

As the St. Louis swirls over hidden and unhidden rocks, its liquid glass surface wrinkles and flows in between a valley of flat, slanted slate and greywacke rocks that are all tilted toward the sky. While the rocks are not technically on the trail, when you’re near the swinging bridge, you’ll always find a few hikers making their way carefully among the flatter rocks to get closer to the water.

Here are some of Hiller’s insider tips from almost two decades at the 8,938-acre state park:

For Hiking:

“Everybody comes to the swinging bridge; that is our landmark feature,” says Hiller. “Either way that you go from the bridge—you can be on the north side or the south side across the river—and there’s at least 25 miles of trails to choose from on either side.”

For an easier trail, Hiller recommends the 1.8 miles along the CCC Trail. For about half of the hike, you follow the river and catch beautiful glimpses of it through the park’s foliage, and the rest of the path is underneath the forest canopy.

The Carlton Trail Trip is a favorite of visitors who want more of an intermediate to advanced hike. Beautiful views of the river, hills, roots, the occasional mud puddle and even some places where you may need to cling to a rock or to make this trail a true adventure through the park. The 5-mile trail branches out so hikers can take easier trails through a pioneer cemetery and shaded forest on the return route.

Horseback riding and mountain biking are also common ways to explore the park, and in the the winter, people often bring out the cross country skis, snow shoes and fat bikes.

For Wildlife:

Jay Cooke State Park has more than 45 animal species wandering around, including black bears, timber wolves and coyotes. If you’re walking the more populated trails in the summer, you probably won’t see any of these magnificent creatures, but you will see some adorable red squirrels and chipmunks. In general, diurnal animals tend to be more active in the morning or in the early evening when it’s cool out to avoid the summer heat.

Birding is best done in May through the first week of July. Hiller usually sends people up the paved Forbray Trail that’s connected to the main parking lot; there, she can pick out 25-30 different bird species—a lot of warblers, apparently—from just that one spot.

While some animals hibernate in the winter, there is still plenty of activity on the parkland, even if the blanket of snow muffles it. You’re more likely to run into foxes or bobcats on the trail, says Hiller, because they, like you, want the path of least resistance, and the flat, groomed paths seem easier than traipsing through the snow. You can also see the otters.

In the summer, otters have full run of the river, slipping in and out of it as they please. When the winter hits, though, parts of the river freezes up, creating specific pockets of rushing open water that limits the otters’ normal freedom. “A lot of time just before the bridge, we’ll see their tracks and we’ll see them sliding down the rocks,” Hiller says.

For Wildflowers:

Springtime is the best for wildflowers, and Hiller would send you straight to the West Ridge Trail. After an initial hill, the 1.8-mile trail is easy walking, and in the spring, naturalists frequently lead guided wildflower walks along it. Wildflowers are one of Hiller’s favorite parts about nature, and she loves the variety that Jay Cooke has. Although she can’t single out just one species, she does love spotting the first hepatica for the season—seeing the small plant poke its lobed leaves and miniature lavender, pink and white flowers always means that winter is ending.

For New Experiences:

Jay Cooke State Park’s naturalists offer programming year round for all ages and groups. Simply visit their online calendar for the most up to date information on events like geocaching how-to’s, guided walks, fishing excursions and interactive teachings about animals, astronomy and more. They’re great ways to learn more about the outdoors, and with the naturalists’ knowledge, you’ll find new things to discover at Jay Cooke each and every time.

To be fair to Mother Nature, even without the naturalists’ healthy list of events, repeat visitors always love going to Jay Cooke. The park is eternally changing and showing new parts of itself, and this fall people will be able to see all of it once again.

Since 2012, half of the roads in the park have been more difficult to reach because of flooding damage. In October, the road is opening up again, and Hiller couldn’t be more excited. “It’s what I like about the park—if you visit one side, it looks one way. If you visit the other side, it’s a very different look just because of how big the park is.”

ASK A LOCAL

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Nerstrand Big Woods State Park https://visit-twincities.com/see-do/recreation/hiking/nerstrand-big-woods-state-park/ Fri, 21 Jul 2017 19:01:48 +0000 http://visit-twincities.com/?page_id=125948 One of the last remnants of a huge stretch of forest, Nerstrand provides the perfect quick trip away from the cities.

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A WALK IN THE WOODS

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park offers a secluded forest for hiking and camping just an hour from the Twin Cities

Images by Lianna Matt

By Lianna Matt

Sometimes it takes the beauty of a place like Nerstrand Big Woods State Park to make you stop and wonder what Minnesota looked like 500 or even 100 years ago. As you hike along, you’re in constant, emerald shade as the trees stretch into dappled canopies above you. Ferns and underbrush cover the ground, only breaking for the gravel-lined hiking path and the creek that leads to a hidden waterfall. Children and adults alike walk on the waterfall’s flat top, looking out to the forest as the water flows smoothly across the stone into a gentle curtain and down to a basin where more families play.

Families play at the bottom of the waterfall while two men look at the view from on top of it in Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.Nerstrand State Park is located just under an hour south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the perfect distance for a day trip or a weekend camping excursion. The park has open picnic and camping grounds, and the nearby city of Northfield can rescue any first-time and forgetful campers.

While less known around the metro than parks such as Minnehaha Regional Park or Taylors Falls, this gem is one of the last remnants of a forest that grew tall amid the oak and savanna prairies. Nestled within the park’s 2,884 acres are more than 200 varieties of wildflowers, including the endangered dwarf trout lily, that bloom in the spring underneath sugar maples, basswood, oak, elm, ironwood, ash, hickory and aspen trees. With such a protected and secluded area, a variety of birds including seven species of woodpeckers, rose-breasted grosbeaks, indigo buntings and meadowlarks can be seen flitting around, and raccoon, fox and deer are some of the forest residents.

The paths are designed in easy-to-plan loops, and a clearly labeled map is at every crossroad, making hiking or biking easily navigable. In the winter, when snow covers up the gravel and weaves in and out of the tree trunks, most of the summer paths are open for snowmobiling and cross country skiing, too.

Insider's Tip

This park is perfect for hiking with your dog. With the hiking-exclusive trails that stay away from any of the steeper slopes, you can let your dog zig zag its way across the path to explore without any worries. Make sure to bring some water, though. There is a public restroom, pavilion and water fountain in the picnic area and similar amenities in the camping area, but once you hit the trail, you’re in nature!

ASK A LOCAL

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Top 6 St. Paul Hiking Trails https://visit-twincities.com/hit-the-road/stories/top-st-paul-hiking-trails/ Thu, 30 Mar 2017 18:48:24 +0000 http://visit-twincities.com/?page_id=124264 Hit the trails at 6 regional and state parks around St. Paul for a day of hiking and outdoor fun.

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Top 6 St. Paul Hiking Trails

Spring has come early this year, and the world outside is calling. Plenty of us get stuck inside during Minnesota’s colder months, but now that we’ve survived the winter, it’s time to get back outside and enjoy some fresh air. For those who live near St. Paul, opportunities to get out in nature are aplenty. Many of these locations have both paved walking paths and unpaved hiking trails that can be enjoyed year round. Below are six hiking spots near St. Paul that you can get to in no time.

Crosby Farm Regional Park

Just down West 7th Street from downtown St. Paul, where the southern tip of Highland Park meets the Mississippi River, is Crosby Farm Regional Park. The park offers almost seven miles of paved pathways for walking, biking and running, many additional trails for hiking, BBQ pits, fishing and a marina. When you’re surrounded by the tree-covered lowlands that surround the Mississippi, and the generous amount of recreational open space that surrounds Crosby Lake, it’s easy to forget that you’re still in the middle of the Twin Cities.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

A little over 20 minutes south of downtown St. Paul, Lebanon Hills is the perfect afternoon retreat from city life. With almost 2,000 acres of land, the park has a number of paved pathways, over 12 miles of hiking trails, scenic lakefronts, picnic areas, equestrian trails, camping, mountain biking, designated swimming and bonfire areas, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding,​ and even opportunities for hunting.

Fort Snelling State Park

What better place to spend a nice weekend day than where two rivers meet? Fort Snelling State Park is ideally located where the Minnesota River meets the great Mississippi, and is still within the heart of the Twin Cities area. Though no camping is allowed in the park, it is has five miles of paved trails and 18 miles of unpaved hiking trails, along with historical interpretive exhibits at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center. The paved walking/biking trails also connect to the Minnehaha Regional Park trail system, which reaches over to the Nokomis area of the Minneapolis.

Battle Creek Regional Park

Only 15 minutes east of downtown St. Paul, the park is sectioned into three parts: the northern section is dedicated to picnic areas, playgrounds and amenities, while the western and southern sections are filled with trails for walking, hiking and mountain biking. Battle Creek also has a dedicated dog park, if you are looking for a good place to give your pooch a chance to run off-leash for a while.

Hidden Falls Regional Park

The park rests on the western-edge of St. Paul where the city meets the Mississippi, and includes approximately seven miles of paved trails for walking, running and biking. Though not extensive, there are a number of hiking trails in the area as well, many of which follow the shoreline of the Mississippi. Even though these aren’t the longest hikes in Minnesota—or even the Twin Cities—it’s a fun park to visit on a nice day. If you’re looking to spend more time outside, Hidden Falls Regional Park also offers BBQ grill pits, a boat launch, fire pits and picnic areas.

Afton State Park

Jump on 94 eastbound, and then cut down south toward Afton for some great hiking within 30 minutes of the St. Paul. Afton State Park is the perfect way to escape the city and still be home in time for dinner. The park has beautiful bluffs that overlook the St. Croix River, 20 miles of hiking paths, four miles of paved biking trails, camping areas, a swimming beach and horse trails. If you’re going to spend a few hours hiking the area during the spring, I’d recommend wearing boots, as it can get a little muddy in places.

Need some more insider info?

The writers at Visit Twin Cities are here to answer any questions you're still left with as a visitor or potential visitor to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro region. Click below to send us a message, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!

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Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities https://visit-twincities.com/hit-the-road/stories/seven-wonders-of-the-twin-cities/ Wed, 14 Dec 2016 19:06:49 +0000 http://visit-twincities.com/?page_id=122404 With all the great things to see and do in the Twin Cities, it can be tough to try and fit everything in during your time here—and easy to miss out on some of the best. So we've compiled a list of the Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities to maximize your time, and to see how Minneapolis and St. Paul set themselves apart from the rest.

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SEVEN WONDERS OF THE TWIN CITIES

Find out what makes our sister cities unique with the Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities

by Kyle Smelter

They may not be the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum or Machu Picchu, but Minneapolis and St. Paul are great in their own right, so we came up with a list of the Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities. Out of all the exciting and inspiring attractions found throughout the metro, we have narrowed it down to these seven must- see and do’s that set the Twin Cities apart from other top towns across the nation.

Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities Minnehaha Falls
Image by Hafiz Issadeen/flickr

Minnehaha Falls

Located just minutes from downtown Minneapolis is one of the Twin Cities most beautiful green spaces—Minnehaha Regional Park. And the centerpiece of it all is the iconic 53-foot waterfall. Each year this majestic tower of water draws more than 850,000 visitors as they watch the water tumble over the limestone bluffs and crash into the stream below. Take in the views from above on the bridge over the falls, or below on walking paths that follow the stream as it twists and turns through a forested area for almost a half-mile before joining the mighty Mississippi River.

Skyway in Minneapolis is a part of the Seven Wonders on the Twin Cities.
Image by Richard Roche/flickr

Skyway System

While a skyway on its own is not really a wonder—just a fancy way of connecting two buildings above street level—an entirely connected downtown with more than nine miles of skyways in Minneapolis is a true marvel to behold. Not to mention, this climate-controlled environment is the world’s largest continuous system of pedestrian bridges in the world, making it one of the more unique Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities. This comes in especially handy during the famous subzero Minnesota winters. Visitors can leave their hotel in the morning, shop and dine at hundreds of boutiques, stores and restaurants, all without ever setting a foot outside.

Kid eating cheese curds. Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities.
Image by Jerry Huddleston/flickr

Minnesota State Fair

Although the Minnesota State Fair is not technically a state holiday, it should be. This week-and-a-half long event covers 320 acres and attracts more than 1.8 million people annually (the largest state fair in the U.S. by average daily attendance) during the waning weeks of summer. “The Great Minnesota Get-Together” features nearly 500 foods, including deep-fried candy bars, hot dish and more than 80 foods on-a-stick. Over 900 performances from more than 100 acts can also seen and heard at the numerous venues found throughout the fairgrounds. And this is just scratching the surface. We have not even mentioned the livestock barns, rodeo shows, carnival games and rides, shopping options and contests. It is not surprising that when you type the word “Minnesota” into Google’s search bar, the State Fair is the first recommended option, further cementing it as one of the Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities.

Stone Arch Bridge at night. Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities.

Stone Arch Bridge

Consisting of 23 arches and measuring 2,100 feet long, the granite and limestone Stone Arch Bridge is the only bridge of its kind that stretches over the Mississippi River. What was once a railroad bridge in Minneapolis’ milling heyday has transformed into a hotspot for walking, running and spending time with friends and family during the summer. Every June it plays host to the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, a weekend of art and music featuring more than 250 musicians and artists, and it serves as an extremely popular front row seat for a fireworks spectacular during our nation’s birthday.

The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis at night. Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities.

Basilica of Saint Mary

You would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful architectural marvel than the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis. The beaux arts-styled wonder began construction in 1907, but did not finish until 1926, the same year Pope Pius Xl named the church the first Basilica in the U.S.—one of only 69 in the country today. An Italian-crafted marble altar and carved shrines of Saint Anne, Saint Joseph, the Apostles are just a few of the iconic features that can be found on the Basilica’s grounds. Every summer hordes of music fans line its steps and rock out to some of the hottest bands at the Basilica Block Party.

Kayaking on the Mississippi River. Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities.
Image by Above the Falls Sports

Mississippi River

The longest river in the country begins as a tiny stream small enough to walk across at Itasca State Park in northern Minnesota before carving its way through the heart of the United States and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. Even though it does not play as big of a role as it once did during the Twin Cities’ milling empire, the river that separates the two cities continues to be an important lifeline of the metro for business and recreation alike. Paddle junkie’s can get their fix traversing the steady current either alone or during a guided tour, cruises are offered to those who want to relax and take in the breathtaking panoramic views, and commercial boats continue to make deliveries using the river’s system of locks and dams.

A trail through the woods in Afton State Park. Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities.

Chain of Lakes/Trail System

It would not be right to talk about the Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities without mentioning their award-winning parks and trails. Ranked No. 1 for city parks in the country by Trust for Land’s annual Parkscore index, the Twin Cities’ sprawling metropolis is covered with 50-plus parks and reserves and 340 miles of trails like a giant green blanket. The proverbial cherry on top is the chain of lakes: Brownie, Cedar, Lake of the Isles, Calhoun and Harriet. Combined, these five lakes and parks give residents and visitors of the metro the up-north-at-the-cabin feel without leaving the city limits.

Honorable Mentions

Mall of America
First Ave
Spoonbridge and Cherry
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

ASK A LOCAL

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Top 5 Twin Cities Running Trails https://visit-twincities.com/hit-the-road/stories/top-5-twin-cities-running-trails/ Mon, 17 Oct 2016 14:00:50 +0000 http://visit-twincities.com/?page_id=121209 Where to lace up your running shoes and hit the trail throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding metro.

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TOP 5 TWIN CITIES RUNNING TRAILS

Where to lace up your shoes and hit the ground running in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding metro.

In the words of ’80s pop singer Gloria Estefan, get on your feet, get up and make it happen. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner, a weekend warrior or more of a couch potato, getting outside and going for a run is just what the doctor ordered. The Twin Cities boast countless trails for you to explore on your next run (which, by the way, should happen soon, as the fall colors are beautiful right now). Check out the trails that made our top 5 list and get running.

Mississippi River Gorge
Natural terrain
This wild trail runs for nearly six miles along the mighty Mississippi. Though challenging (keep an eye out for roots, rocks and other obstacles) this route is about as scenic as it gets and it’s only a few miles from the heart of the city. Start on the east side of the river, where St. Paul‘s Summit Avenue meets Mississippi River Boulevard. Run north until hitting Marshall Avenue, where you’ll cross the river into Minneapolis, then continue south on the trail. Ford Parkway crosses back into St. Paul for the last leg of the run. It can be difficult to stay on course—you are surrounded by wildlife on this one—so, when in doubt, use the river as your guide.

Chain of Lakes
Paved trail
Located in South Minneapolis, this system of lakes has miles of paved running trails that unfold along the waterside. Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet offer three-mile loops with views of the lakes, wildlife and even downtown Minneapolis’ skyline. Plus, the lakes’ close proximity to each other makes it easy to connect to neighboring trails and rack up more miles.

Summit Avenue
Paved sidewalk
If you’re looking for a spot for good urban running, look no further. St. Paul’s Summit Avenue is one of the prettiest streets in the area and you’ll see amazing Victorian brownstones, the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Mississippi River along the way. Start at the Cathedral in downtown St. Paul and head west on Summit. Run until you get to the Mississippi River and then turn around and run back the way you came. Such a simple route, and yet so beautiful.

Luce Line State Trail
Paved and crushed limestone trail
This massive trail stretches over 60 miles from the western metro to the central part of Minnesota. Starting in the western suburb of Plymouth, get on the trail where it intersects Interstate 494. Running west will take you through the towns of Wayzata, Orono and Long Lake, all of which are near beautiful Lake Minnetonka.

Hyland Lake Park Reserve
Natural terrain
The trails in this Bloomington park offer diverse scenery, terrain and skill levels. You can choose one of the wide, flat trails that wind around the lake, or challenge yourself on one of the trails that leads into Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area and see a wonderful view of the downtown Minneapolis skyline from the top of the hill.

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MEA Musts https://visit-twincities.com/hit-the-road/stories/mea-musts/ Fri, 14 Oct 2016 17:06:30 +0000 http://visit-twincities.com/?page_id=121246 To help you figure out your MEA plans, we've compiled a few short-lists of “must-dos” whether you are planning a weekend getaway, a stay-cation filled with daytrips, or the best “free” activities in and around the metro.

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MEA MUSTS

Make the most out of the school year’s first long weekend with these tips.

By Tammy Galvin

Before having kids of my own, I never understood the importance of MEA weekend. More officially known as Minnesota Educator Academy—a two-day educational conference for, you guessed it, educators—the event signaled two things: Fall has officially arrived, and perhaps more importantly, K-12 students get their first reprieve of the year from their daily grind.

The timing of MEA is near-perfect…almost as if somewhere along the way school administrators, teachers, parents and students all came together and collectively agreed that this “break” was needed. After all, it is well over a month-plus into the new school year, while simultaneously being about another month away from Thanksgiving break.

As such, many families have built years of traditions around this first long weekend of the school year, which always falls on the third Thursday and Friday of October. To help you figure out your MEA plans, we’ve compiled a few short-lists of “must-dos” whether you are planning a weekend getaway, a stay-cation filled with daytrips, or the best “free” activities in and around the metro. Enjoy!

Top 5 Weekend Getaways

  1. North Shore. Yes, Duluth gets busy this weekend and lodging rates can be absurdly, well north, but finding last-minute vacancies are well worth the effort. Try VRBO or even consider a bit further north to Two Harbors where the rates drop quite a bit the further north you head.
  2. Lanesboro. None other than the B&B capital of Minnesota.
  3. Winona. The drive alone is worth the trek.
  4. Banning State Park. Waterfalls, log arches and ice caves. What’s more to say?
  5. Waconia. An idylllic lakeside community.

Image by Bear/flickr

Top 5 Freebies

  1. Apple orchards. While admission to most are free, the “extras” like hayrides, baked treats, ciders and mazes usually have token admission rates of a few bucks. The best part about going on MEA weekend is most offer special events and extra MEA hours of admissions. Our favorites include: Aamodt’s Apple Farm (Stillwater), Afton Apple Orchard (Hastings), Applewood Orchard (Lakeville and bonus: Leashed dogs are welcome!), and Apple Jack Orchards (Delano; better-suited for younger tots).
  2. Geocaching ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE (ok this might cost you $9.99 to download the official geocaching app if you don’t have one, but it is worth every single penny and then some. And actually, if you plan ahead, you can register for free on geocache.com and simply enter the GPS coordinates of the caches near you, keeping it truly free. Don’t know what it is? Check out this 75 second video. There are thousands upon thousands of geocaches in and around the Twin Cities. Some favorites include Hyland Lake Park Reserve (there are also several caches through the Three Rivers Park District system), Isaac Walton Trail in Bloomington, and many more. For example, as I sit in my downtown Minneapolis office and do a search for “nearby caches” on my geocaching app, there are 53 caches that I could easily navigate to within 1 mile from my office.
  3. Must-See Museums. Choose from always-free Mia, the Weisman Art Museum (although finding free parking could prove impossible) and the Minnehaha Depot at Minnehaha Falls.
  4. Walk the Stone Arch Bridge, pack a picnic, blanket and some yard games. Pet-friendly, too, so bring some water for the pups and a staked leash.
  5. Bike or walk on one of the award-winning trails. Try a few closer to the city and not in the ‘burbs for a change of pace: Midtown Greenway or West River Parkway, which runs right by the Mill City Ruins, are my faves. If, however, Mother Nature isn’t cooperating spend the day immersed in the Central Library downtown, a truly amazing building with far more than books on hand to keep you and the family busy for hours. If the kids balk at the idea of spending their “break” in a hushed environment, mention the Adaptive Technology Lab, Best Buy Teen Tech Center, Piano room and so much more. Then head out and explore the nine miles of skyway that connect other downtown delights.

ASK A LOCAL

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4 Must-See Autumn Adventures to Visit This Season https://visit-twincities.com/hit-the-road/getaways/autumn-adventures/ Tue, 04 Oct 2016 17:59:19 +0000 http://visit-twincities.com/?page_id=120382 Get your fall color fix at these enchanting escapes.

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4 MUST-SEE AUTUMN ADVENTURES TO VISIT THIS SEASON

Get your fall color fix at these enchanting escapes.

Autumn is one of the most beautiful and exciting times in Minnesota, as well as one of the shortest. Before a lot of residents turn in to hibernate for the cold winter ahead, Mother Nature treats us to what is comparable to a bite-size Snickers bar. The air sheds its suffocating, summer humidity jacket in exchange for crisp, comfortable sweatshirt weather, holiday excitement starts to set in, and, most importantly, the trees substitute their summer green for brilliant flashes of gold, orange and red. It is a fitting swan song before we are covered in a blanket of snow, and there is no better time for taking one last road trip to marvel at Mother Nature’s expansive outdoor galleries. No doubt you can find this change in color palette at almost any street corner or neighborhood yard, but if you are really looking for her greatest collages, these getaways will not disappoint.

Taylors Falls

Nestled on the bluffs lining the St. Croix River about an hour northeast of St. Paul is Taylors Falls. This charming little town sees over one million visitors from all over the world passing through each and every year. But the town’s greatest source of pride is on full display from September to November. The already scenic St. Croix River Valley blossoms into a dazzling display of hues set along craggy cliffs carved by glaciers and lava flows, resulting in a corridor of color. Visitors can traverse the trails or rent a kayak/canoe and paddle their way up and down the river to immerse themselves in a tidal wave of vividness.

For a pampered and educational experience, take a ride on one of the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours. These narrated excursions offer visitors historical information on the unique rock formations sculpted into the cliffs lining the river, including the beacon stone cross for which the St. Croix River was named, and range from daily to specialty.

Gooseberry Falls

A short drive north of Duluth will bring you to one of the meccas of fall travel in the state—Gooseberry Falls. Tucked along the North Shore of Lake Superior and scenic Minnesota Highway 61, Gooseberry Falls is often a destination that comes to mind for many when they think of brilliant displays of fall colors and seasonal travel. And how could it not? Its 1,682 acres of lush deciduous forest including aspen and birch trees showing off their fall fashion is as good as color displays get. While you are there, be sure to take in the beauty and hear the thunderous roar of the park’s iconic upper, middle and lower falls. Coupled with miles of hiking trails and autumn hues, these cascading falls help give Gooseberry Falls State Park a firm grip on the state’s second most-popular state park.

For even more than just a day’s worth of beauty, the Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground is available for those looking to pitch a tent or park an RV. The 70 wooded, non-electrical campsites are the perfect way to get back in touch with nature and wrap up the season.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

If you are looking for brilliant splashes of fall color a little closer to the cities, look no further than the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington. This rural and urban habitat for threatened wildlife covers more than 14,000 acres, and stretches along the Minnesota River offering some of the best hiking and fall foliage close to home. If you are lucky, you will even catch glimpses of bald eagles, blue herons, deer and more.

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Much of Southern Minnesota is sprouting with rows of corn and rolling farmland. But dotted along the mighty Mississippi River in the southeastern corner of the state is Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge—a lush forest of an island in an agricultural sea. Located just outside of Winona, this portrait of color sprawls across 6,446 acres and provides residents and visitors of southern Minnesota with an autumn oasis. And getting there is half the fun. Situated on the Great River Road Scenic Byway, the drive follows the twists and bends of the river, and awards drivers with splendid blazes of colors, towering bluffs and some of the most scenic sights our state has to offer.

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Hiking Taylors Falls https://visit-twincities.com/hit-the-road/stories/hiking-taylors-falls/ Wed, 28 Sep 2016 14:51:14 +0000 http://visit-twincities.com/?page_id=120318 A day of hiking in Taylors Falls and Interstate State Park.

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HIKING TAYLORS FALLS

A day of traversing craggy bluffs and viewing breathtaking nature.

Image by Andy Richter

By Aubrey Schield

It’s easy to get bogged down and worn out by big city living. Sometimes you just have to get out and get back to nature. (Don’t get me wrong, I love being near the vibrant downtowns of Minneapolis and St. Paul). Every year when fall rolls around, I seem to crave outdoor adventure more than ever. Something about the crisp air and changing colors makes me want to get out of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of Minnesota.

In times like these, I’m thankful that the Twin Cities are only a short drive from plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. One in particular (admittedly my favorite) is Taylors Falls. The town is a small community nestled within the craggy bluffs that tower over the St. Croix River, delineating the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin.

I made the hour-long drive north to Taylors Falls earlier this month with a couple friends for a day of hiking. We arrived in the morning because the weather was humid and threatening rain later in the day. After parking and making a pit stop in an information center equipped with restrooms, we hit the trails of Interstate State Park.

The bulk of the park is located on the other side of the St. Croix in Wisconsin. On the Minnesota side, however, there is a half-mile trail that winds around glacial potholes drilled in the rocky bluffs from years of water erosion. We hiked along the trail made from ancient lava and walked down a set of stairs into a pothole at least 15 feet deep.

After an hour of exploring the glacial pothole area, we hopped in the car, crossed the bridge into Wisconsin and re-entered the park. With ample places to park the car, we had no trouble finding a good spot to leave our wheels and set out on two feet.

Here’s a tip: Grab a trail map before you start exploring. While the trails are clearly marked, it’s a good idea to map your route ahead of time. We hopped on Summit Rock Trail that wound around forest and rocky landscape and culminated in the highest point of the park. With such spectacular views of the gorge and river below, selfies ensued. (If you find yourself on Summit Rock Trail, keep an eye out for Old Man of the Dalles rock. You’ll know it when you see it.) Continuing along River Bluff Trail, we eventually hooked up with Lake O’ the Dalles Trail, which runs along a small lake by the same name. The trail is great for wildlife viewing, though we only caught a glimpse of a few geese swimming in the water.

The trails took us from the shores of the river all the way up to the highest point of the bluffs and back down again—a continuous cycle of climbing and descending. Surrounded by forest and glacial rock outcrops, it felt as though we had left civilization completely. Needless to say, I got my nature fix.

My only complaint about the excursion was our timing. Unfortunately the leaves weren’t at their peak color for the season—so I guess I’ll just have to go back. Sigh.

NEXT TIME
It just so happens that I’m returning to Taylors Falls this weekend. This time around, there are a few things I will be sure not to miss.

Taylors Falls Boat Tours
Gently glide along the water with a drink in hand while knowledgeable tour guides discuss the history of the region? Don’t mind if I do.

The Drive In
This retro-themed burger joint has just the right amount of small town charm and 1960s finesse.

The Old Jail B&B
After a long day of exploring, relax in a former jail. Seriously. Choose from a room in the former saloon, or bunk in the town’s rustic jailhouse. Yes, there are bars on the windows, but you can come and go as you please.

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