
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Minneapolis, United States
1. Minnehaha Falls Park Trail
A scenic and easily accessible trail that offers a beautiful waterfall within the city limits.
- Urban Setting: Rare to find a waterfall in an urban setting, making it a unique hiking experience.
- Easy Accessibility: Located just minutes from downtown Minneapolis, offering easy access for visitors.
- Picnic and Recreation Area: A park with picnic areas and recreational facilities, perfect for a day out with family.
2. Lake Wobegon Trail
A picturesque trail that spans over 60 miles and connects multiple towns in central Minnesota.
- Long Distance Trail: One of the longest continuous trails in Minnesota, ideal for multi-day hiking trips.
- Varied Scenery: Offers a diverse range of landscapes, from woods to wetlands and farmland.
- Historic Towns: Passes through several charming historic towns with unique shops and restaurants.
3. Mississippi Palisades Trail
A rugged trail offering stunning views of the Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs.
- Rugged Terrain: Provides challenging hikes with steep inclines, perfect for experienced hikers.
- Scenic Overlooks: Offers numerous scenic overlooks showcasing the Mississippi River and surrounding area.
- Historical Significance: Features historic sites like Fort Snelling and Mendota, rich in American history.
4. Interstate Park Trail
A scenic trail located along the St. Croix River offering stunning views and rock formations.
- Scenic Gorge: Hikes through the breathtaking Sandstone Gorge, with dramatic cliffs and cascading waters.
- Pristine Wilderness: Provides an opportunity to explore a pristine wilderness area near the city.
- River Access: Offers access to the St. Croix River for canoeing and fishing, making it a versatile outdoor destination.
5. Baker Park Reserve Trail
A peaceful trail located in Waconia offering varied terrain and abundant wildlife.
- Peaceful Setting: Provides a serene and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
- Abundant Wildlife: Home to a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, and many bird species.
- Varied Terrain: Offers varied terrain including wooded areas, wetlands, and prairies.
6. Crow-Hassan Park Reserve Trail
A trail offering diverse habitats and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
- Diverse Habitats: Features a variety of habitats including prairies, wetlands, and wooded areas.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers excellent birdwatching opportunities with over 200 species identified within the park.
- Scenic Overlooks: Features scenic overlooks offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Afton State Park Trail
A trail located in Hastings that offers a mix of woodland and river views.
- Scenic River Views: Provides stunning views of the St. Croix River.
- Historic Mill Ruins: Features historic mill ruins and a Victorian-era farmstead, providing a glimpse into Minnesota's past.
- Wildlife Observation Tower: Includes a wildlife observation tower, ideal for spotting eagles, owls, and other birds of prey.
8. Tamarack Nature Center Trail
A trail located in White Bear Lake offering a variety of ecosystems and educational programs.
- Educational Programs: Offers various educational programs on nature, wildlife, and conservation.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Provides access to a variety of ecosystems including wetlands, prairies, and forests.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: Features a wildlife rehabilitation center for injured or orphaned animals.
9. Fort Snelling State Park Trail
A trail offering historical significance and beautiful views of the Mississippi River.
- Historical Significance: Features historic Fort Snelling, a key military post in American history.
- Scenic Overlooks: Offers scenic overlooks showcasing the Mississippi River and surrounding landscape.
- Varied Terrain: Provides varied terrain including wooded areas, bluffs, and wetlands.
10. Interstate State Park - Wisconsin Trail
A trail located in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin offering stunning gorge views.
- Scenic Gorge: Hikes through the scenic Sandstone Gorge, with dramatic cliffs and cascading waters.
- Pristine Wilderness: Provides an opportunity to explore a pristine wilderness area near the city.
- River Access: Offers access to the St. Croix River for canoeing and fishing, making it a versatile outdoor destination.
11. William O'Brien State Park Trail
A trail offering stunning views of the Saint Croix River and opportunities for canoeing and fishing.
- Scenic River Views: Provides stunning views of the Saint Croix River.
- Canoe Access: Offers canoe access for exploring the river.
- Wildlife Observation Tower: Includes a wildlife observation tower, ideal for spotting eagles, owls, and other birds of prey.
12. Carver Park Reserve Trail
A trail located in Victoria offering varied terrain and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Varied Terrain: Offers varied terrain including wooded areas, prairies, and wetlands.
- Abundant Wildlife: Home to a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, and many bird species.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers excellent birdwatching opportunities with over 200 species identified within the park.
13. Twin City Model Railroad Museum Trail
A unique trail offering a miniature railroad and model railroad museum.
- Miniature Railroad: Offers a scenic miniature railroad experience.
- Model Railroad Museum: Features a model railroad museum showcasing various scales and layouts.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs on model railroads and their history.
14. Minnehaha Creek Regional Trail
A paved trail that follows Minnehaha Creek through south Minneapolis.
- Urban Setting: Rare to find a creek-side trail in an urban setting, making it a unique hiking experience.
- Easy Accessibility: Located just minutes from downtown Minneapolis, offering easy access for visitors.
- Picnic and Recreation Area: A park with picnic areas and recreational facilities, perfect for a day out with family.
15. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trail
A trail offering a glimpse into the diverse habitats of the Minnesota River Valley.
- Diverse Habitats: Provides access to a variety of habitats including prairies, wetlands, and wooded areas.
- Abundant Wildlife: Home to a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, and many bird species.
- Historical Significance: Features historical sites related to the Dakota War of 1862, providing insight into Minnesota's past.