7 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Minnesota To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that we could all use more time outdoors. A new year brings much to look forward to, with resolutions and promises for the next 12 months. But in all of the busyness before us, it’s easy to feel stressed. It’s important to step back, take a few peaceful moments, and reflect before diving into all that lies ahead. Luckily, Minnesota has just what you need to find some peace before the next 12 months of activity truly begin. Namely, the Land of 10,000 Lakes has many nature destinations that you can reach through a perfectly peaceful hike that will help you clear your head. Here are seven of the best hikes in Minnesota:
If you're like most Minnesotans, you probably haven't been to Blue Mounds State Park. We don't blame you. It's in the southwestern corner of the state, far from any major city. But this year, make a point to visit. The pink quartzite cliffs are unlike anything else in Minnesota. Hike the Cliff Line Trail for a view of the vast prairie beyond the cliffs. Rest, reflect, and take in the view.
Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park is a wonderful spot about 60 miles south of Minneapolis. True to its name, the park has beautiful, thick woods that are wonderful for walking in. Hidden in the woods is the aptly named Hidden Falls, where a lovely waterfall tumbles over the rocks. The quiet solitude of this lesser known park make it a winner for those craving reflection -- especially during the winter in Minnesota!
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
At Banning State Park in Sandstone, Minnesota, the Big Spring Falls trail is a short but lovely hike thorough the woods. You'll eventually arrive at the Kettle River where it falls over a rocky cliff. This peaceful place is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a quiet spot.
Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is one of the prettiest parks in the Twin Cities! In warmer months, this gorgeous park is full of colorful wildflowers. And when fall comes, the changing leaves are absolutely stunning. A quiet stroll through this amazing park is just the thing to indulge in some quiet reflection.
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Jeffers Petroglyphs doesn't have waterfalls or cliff views. But it has a beauty all its own. For example, Jeffers Petroglyphs is a large outcrop of stone carvings that happens to have more petroglyphs than anywhere else in Minnesota. In fact, the site has more petroglyphs in one place than anywhere else in the Midwest! Nestled in a nondescript field in southern Minnesota, those who follow the tallgrass-lined trail will find a wonderful surprise. The quartzite outcrop is covered in ancient petroglyphs from people who lived in and passed through Minnesota long ago. This spot will have you reflecting on the distant past as well as the coming year.
Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, MN 56019, USA
Blue Mounds State Park isn't the only worthwhile place to visit on the southwestern Minnesota prairie. Follow the short, easy Bluff Trail in Touch the Sky Prairie for a rare glimpse of a prairie waterfall. In this remote area, you will likely be among the only people visiting, making it a perfect place to rest and reflect.
Fun fact: Itasca State Park is Minnesota's first state park! It's also home to some of the state's most beautiful nature. Take a walk along the quiet Dr. Roberts Trail for a wooded trek through nature. Admire Lake Itasca, and don't forget to walk across the Mississippi River headwaters! Taking part in this tradition will connect you to the past even as you look towards the future.
Itasca State Park, Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Minnesota
August 08, 2022
Sarah M.
What are the some other calm and serene places in Minnesota?
An activity that always grounds us and fills our souls with peace is wildlife watching. And in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, one of the best places for viewing wildlife in the wild is Minneopa State Park. Over 200 species have been recognized at Minneopa State Park, a hidden gem in Mankato, Minnesota. A beloved place for birders -- flycatchers, wrens, vireos, warblers, kinglets, and many species of sparrow and finch can all be spotted here -- Minnesota's third oldest state park is home to a newly re-established American Bison herd. The bison are free to roam an area of 331 acres (the entire park covers 4,643 acres), so spotting them can be tricky. Keep a watchful eye as you drive through the range and take advantage of the Seppmann Mill Overlook, a popular place for spotting these elusive beasts.
What are some scenic hikes in Minnesota?
There are many incredible trails in every region of Minnesota. They lead you to marvelous lakes and waterfalls, through thick woods full of verdant greenery or fall foliage, and alongside rugged cliffs with epic coastal vistas. In short, the scenery in Minnesota is sublime, and hiking is the best way to enjoy it! Some of our favorite hikes in Minnesota are off-the-beaten-path trails like Hidden Falls at Nerstrand/Big Woods State Park; the Cannon Valley Trail in Southeastern Minnesota; the North Country Trail, which boasts jaw-dropping views of Lake Superior, the Border Route Trail, a winding path through the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area; and the Hyland Lake Trail, located in the eponymous Hyland Lake Park Reserve.
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.
