Posted in Minnesota
January 17, 2021
In 2021, Take These 12 Incredible Minnesota Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
The Land of 10,000 Lakes is full of hikes! In every region of the state, trains lead to beautiful landmarks. Explorers can discover gorgeous cliffs, rushing waterfalls, thick forests, and many other landscapes. There are so many choices that it can be hard to choose which trail to take. That’s why we’ve created this list of 12 incredible Minnesota hikes to take in 2021. There’s one for every month of the year, each leading to a spectacular Minnesota destination. Which one are you most excited to explore?
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Banning State Park is one of Minnesota's loveliest state parks. In the winter, the quiet park is often covered with a blanket of snow. The Quarry Loop Trail leads hikers 2.5 miles through the woods, along the Kettle River, and even past some abandoned quarry buildings.
Fort Snelling State Park is home to several wonderful trails. Among the most popular is the Pike Island Trail. Visitors can take a 1-, 2, or 3-mile loop around the island. The trail offers great views of the point where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meet. At times, you may see native wildlife such as beavers and deer. In the winter, the trail is filled with peaceful quiet that makes it a perfect place to get outdoors.
March is a great time to hike in Minnesota. The weather is just beginning to warm up, but it hasn't quite reached the heat of summer. Afton State Park is home to a great spring hiking trail. The Prairie Loop is a 3-mile loop that covers a large, wide-open area of the park. The big sky and sprawling fields make it feel like a totally different state.
Gooseberry Falls is a go-to hike for Minnesotans year-round. Summer is a popular time to visit, but we recommend visiting in the springtime as well. You'll have the same gorgeous view of the rushing water as always, but with fewer crowds than there are in peak months. What better way to welcome spring?
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is a Minneapolis treasure. Full of wildflowers and wildlife, it's a wonderful place to immerse yourself in color as the summer unfolds. The wildflower loop is under a mile, making it an easy hike for most people. On a sunny spring day, there's nowhere better to be.
As the summer unfolds, many Minnesotans head north to take in the state's gorgeous nature areas. There are plenty of places to choose from, but we recommend starting the summer with a trip to Eagle Mountain, Minnesota's highest point. This trail is longer than others on this list, at 7 miles altogether, and it does include some steep areas. But if you're up for it, you'll be able to take in the incredible view at 2,301 feet above Minnesota.
Southwestern Minnesota is home to some of the most gorgeous prairie landscapes left in Minnesota. It's particularly spectacular in the summertime, when the land is green and lush. When you hike the 1.5-mile Upper Cliffline Trail at Blue Mounds State Park, you'll have a perfect view of everything. Not only will you see the waving grasses of the prairie and the striking pink quartzite cliffs, but you may also encounter native cacti and wildflowers. It's absolutely beautiful.
In August, head way up north to Minnesota's border with Canada. Here, at Grand Portage State Park, you'll be able to feast your eyes on the rushing waters of Minnesota's tallest waterfall. The High Falls of the Pigeon River drop 120 feet, a spectacular sight that should be at the top of every Minnesotan's bucket list!
As fall sets in, head to the gorgeous Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. Here, the woods that give the park its name are full of changing leaves. But that's not all you'll see here. Hike the 1-mile Hidden Falls Trail for a glimpse of a beautiful, hidden waterfall!
This is one of Minnesota's most beautiful hiking trails! It's a 2.3-mile loop through the sprawling woods of northern Minnesota. The trail rises high over the surrounding landscape, offering a spectacular view of Oberg Lake. In the fall, the trees surrounding the lake are ablaze with red, orange, and yellow leaves. You will not regret your hike to this breathtaking place.
In November, head high above the Mississippi River in Red Wing, Minnesota. The Barn Bluff offers an amazing view from 400 feet above the river. The trail is about 2 miles and includes some steep areas. But if you make it to the top, you'll be treated to a breathtaking sight!
What better way to welcome the winter than with a trip to a beautiful frozen waterfall? Minneopa Falls is one of the prettiest in Minnesota thanks to its 39-foot drop over a high sandstone cliff. You can see it all from a high platform over the area, including a picturesque bridge. The hike is less than a mile from the parking area, making it a quick jaunt if the cold gets to be too much!
Would you add any hikes to the list? Let us know in the comments! Also check out our past lists of Minnesota hikes to take in the winter, spring, and fall.
Address: 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Address: 101 Snelling Lake Rd, St Paul, MN 55111, USA
Address: 6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
Address: 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Address: 1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405, USA
Address: Eagle Mountain, West Cook, MN 55604, USA
Address: 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Address: 9393 E, MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605
Address: 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
Address: Superior Hiking Trail Oberg Mountain Loop, Tofte, MN 55615, USA
Address: Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
Address: 54497 Gadwall Rd, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
