A Nature Lovers Definitive Guide To Minnesota’s Natural Beauty – Parks, Beaches, Hikes And More!
Located right in the middle of the country on the Canadian border, Minnesota has much more than gorgeous lakes to offer. Minnesota also has incredible beaches, gardens, rivers, and trails to hike. Also hidden throughout the state are five national park sites and 75 state park and recreation areas. Below, we’ve outlined some of the very best natural attractions that Minnesota has to offer. From flowing rivers to rugged mountain peaks, there’s a little something for every kind of nature enthusiast.
The Best Little Known Park In Minnesota
Hidden in northern Minnesota, Bear Head Lake State Park is home to over 20 miles of lakeshore available for pier and boat fishing. There are also several other lakes nearby, including Cub Lake, a smaller, secluded body of water perfect to get away from it all for a relaxing day near the water. If fishing isn't really your speed, the park also has over 14 miles of hiking trails where you may be lucky enough to spot deer, bears, wolves, and countless species of birds that call this park home. With so much to offer, Bear Head Lake State Park should be at the top of your list!
The Most Pristine Beach In Minnesota
About 3 miles north of Gooseberry Falls at mile marker 42 on Highway 61, Iona's Beach on the North Shore is really a sight to behold. The beach is unique with pink rhyolite rocks replacing a typical sandy beach. This beach was made after rhyolite cliffs were broken by the waters of Lake Superior, smoothed, and deposited on this beachhead. Besides beauty, the beach is also a great place to experience a neat trick. On a quiet day, when the waves hit the shore of Iona Beach, it sounds like hundreds of ringing bells. One day at this secret beach won't be enough!
The Most Jaw Dropping Lake In Minnesota
Cariou Lake on the North Shore holds the title as the clearest lake in Minnesota, and it's easy to see why. From White Sky Rock, you can see miles of the lake surrounded by towering trees. But don't just view the lake from above. The lake is also open for boating where you can get a front-row seat to the clear waters. The waters here are so clear, you can see up to 40 feet below the surface! A day on Cariou Lake gives a unique chance to see under the water and to experience some amazing sunsets. Are you ready to experience the most beautiful lake in Minnesota?
The Most Beautiful Island In Minnesota
Out in Juggler Lake, a small island is home to a cabin that can be rented out as an Airbnb! Only accessible by boat, a stay on this island is sure to give you an escape from city life where you can just enjoy your own private cabin with its own patio. The island also offers private fishing and swimming, so be sure to plan your next vacation to the island on Juggler Lake. Talk about an amazing island experience!
The Best Trail To Hike In Minnesota
At 7 miles roundtrip, Eagle Mountain, located 20 miles north of Grand Marais, is a challenging but very rewarding day hike. This trail will take you through the forest-filled blooming wildflowers before giving you a from-above view of the forest you just walked through! Be sure to pick up a permit at the trailhead parking lot on your way up to Eagle Mountain. If you're looking for the perfect hike, Eagle Mountain is the place.
The Most Beautiful River In Minnesota
Moving to the south of the state, the Root River is a river that actually travels underground! While most of the river looks like any other, the Root River flows into Mystery Cave where it continues on its path. Tours of Mystery Cave are available where you can explore the inside of the cave and actually see the Root River running through it! On the other side of the cave, the Root River re-emerges and hosts great trout fishing. From here you would never know that the river had just traveled through a giant cave. Curious to learn more about this incredible river?
The Most Scenic Mountain In Minnesota
Most people don't know that Minnesota has its very own mountain range. The Sawtooth Mountains stretch 30 miles along Minnesota's North Shore, and from the range's peaks, you can see breathtaking views of Lake Superior. The range hosts Moose Mountain which reaches 1,689 feet above sea level. From here, the fall foliage is breathtaking. Be sure to check out Moose Mountain in the Sawtooth Range when you want to get high above Minnesota's many lakes. It's a view you won't soon forget.
The Most Unique Garden In Minnesota
While there are countless lakes to experience in Minnesota, sometimes you want to get out to nature a little closer to home. The Normandale Japanese Garden in Bloomington is the perfect place to do that. The garden has paths to walk through, complete with Japanese architecture, bridges, and waterfalls. To experience a beautiful look into nature right in the middle of Bloomington, be sure to check out the Normandale Japanese Garden. Are you ready to explore this one-of-a-kind garden?
