This Year, 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 the best hikes in Minnesota to take this year. There’s one for every month of the year, each leading to a spectacular Minnesota destination. Which one are you most excited to explore?
January - Quarry Loop Trail at Banning State Park
Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
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.
Read more about Quarry Loop Trail.
February - Pike Island Trail at Fort Snelling State Park
Fort Snelling State Park Trail, Burnsville, MN 55122, USA
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. You'll see why it's known as one of the most scenic hikes in Minnesota!
Learn all about the Pike Island Loop Trail.
March - Prairie Loop at Afton State Park
Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
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.
Check out more about Afton State Park.
April - Falls Loop Trail at Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park, 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
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?
Find out more about Gooseberry Falls.
May - Wildflower Loop at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
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, and a great kid-friendly hike in Minnesota. On a sunny spring day, there's nowhere better to be.
See more about the Wildflower Loop at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden.
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.
Read more about Eagle Mountain Trail.
July - Upper Cliffline Trail at Blue Mounds State Park
Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
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.
Learn more about Blue Mounds State Park.
August - High Falls Trail at Grand Portage State Park
Grand Portage State Park, 9393 E, MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
In August, head way up north to Minnesota's border with Canada. Here, at Grand Portage State Park, you'll be able to take one of the most scenic hikes in Minnesota and feast your eyes on the rushing waters of the state'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!
Check out more about Grand Portage State Park.
September - Hidden Falls Trail at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
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! Its short length makes it a nice choice if you're looking for an easy hike in Minnesota.
Find out more about Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.
October - Oberg Mountain Loop
Superior Hiking Trail Oberg Mountain Loop, Tofte Township, MN 55615, USA
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.
See more about Oberg Mountain Loop.
November - Barn Bluff Trail
He Mni Can/ Barn Bluff Trail Head, Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
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!
Read more about Barn Bluff Trail.
December: Waterfall Trail at Minneopa State Park
Minneopa State Park Campground, Minneopa State Pk Campground, South Bend Township, MN 56001, USA
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!
Read more about Minneopa State Park.
Would you add any hikes to the list? Let us know in the comments! Also check out our past lists of the best hikes in Minnesota to take in the winter, spring, and fall.
Address: Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Address: Fort Snelling State Park Trail, Burnsville, MN 55122, USA
Address: Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
Address: Gooseberry Falls State Park, 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Address: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
Address: Superior Hiking Trail Oberg Mountain Loop, Tofte Township, MN 55615, USA
Address: Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Address: Grand Portage State Park, 9393 E, MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
Address: He Mni Can/ Barn Bluff Trail Head, Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
Address: Minneopa State Park Campground, Minneopa State Pk Campground, South Bend Township, MN 56001, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Minnesota
July 08, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What are the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota?
If you’re looking for a great place to go in the summer months, check out the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota. Minnehaha Falls is one exceptional choice that you have to see to believe. It’s also a good choice if you’re not in the mood to walk too far, as the waterfall is only about a 10-minute walk from the place you’ll park the car. Another beautiful waterfall hike you can take is Kawishiwi Falls in Ely. It’s a nice, tranquil option since it’s not a tourist destination. Another pleasantly short hike, the 1.5-mile length makes it easy for all hikers, even newbies.
What are the best outdoor adventures in Minnesota?
If you’re planning an outdoors-focused year, check out the best outdoor adventures in Minnesota for some exciting excursions that you won’t soon forget! Have you always found yourself fascinated by what goes on beneath the surface? Find out for yourself at Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake. Prefer to keep your head above the water? Kayak down thrilling rapids on the Kettle River for an exhilarating time.
What are the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota?
Sometimes you just need a trip to the water. Next time you feel yourself craving some H2O time, make a trip to one of the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota for a relaxing weekend. Check out Lake Harriet for a fun boating trip and lovely views. If you’re hoping for a gorgeous hike, head to Lake of the Isles, which is known for its hiking trails. And Birch Lake is a stunning place to go for endless views of nothing but nature.
Address: Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Address: Fort Snelling State Park Trail, Burnsville, MN 55122, USA
Address: Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
Address: Gooseberry Falls State Park, 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Address: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
Address: Superior Hiking Trail Oberg Mountain Loop, Tofte Township, MN 55615, USA
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
