11 Easy And Beautiful Spring Hikes Everyone In Minnesota Will Love
While Minnesota is the perfect place to enjoy water activities, it’s still a bit chilly for swimming or beach lounging in the spring. But hiking is the perfect activity for the springtime, especially in Minnesota. Our state is crisscrossed with great trails, many of them ending with a beautiful sight. If you’re planning your next spring adventure, why not try out one of these easy and beautiful spring hikes? Here are 11 of the best hikes in Minnesota for springtime shenanigans:
1. Oberg Mountain Loop
Superior Hiking Trail Oberg Mountain Loop, Tofte Township, MN 55615, USA
This two and a quarter mile trail has unforgettable views of Lake Superior, Oberg Lake, and Moose Mountain. The elevation gain on this trail is accessible for most people, making it a nice hike for outdoorsy families. It spans 2.6 miles through northern Minnesota forest, each turn offering more beauty than the last. This is one scenic hike in Minnesota you'll fall in love with every time you hike it.
2. Cascade River Lower Loop at Cascade River State Park
Cascade River State Park, West, 3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612, USA
This easy half mile loop from the parking lot is packed with amazing views of the Cascade River falls! You'll cross through forest and over the river to get there, and each view is simply stunning. There just isn’t a bad view anywhere in this park. For the more adventurous hikers, offers 18 total miles of hiking trails. Why not try them all this spring?
Afton State Park is home to the Priarie Loop Trail, and a total of twenty miles of hiking trails. The prairie loop trail is a short and sweet hike and in the spring is filled with beautiful buds, blooms and birds. Go late enough in the spring, and you might even see butterflies fluttering around the new wildflowers. All in all, this 3-mile loop trail is perfect in the springtime. This state park is also home to a hidden sandy beach in Minnesota.
4. Cliffline Trail at Blue Mounds State Park
Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
A hike on the edge of a quartzite cliff is in store for those wanting to see the beautiful prairie flowers! Distant views of rolling prairie dotted with windmills is also on the agenda for anyone hiking this trail. Take the trail all the way around and you’ll likely spot the resident herd of bison! Then, head to the foot of the cliffs to see the beautiful quartzite up close. Blue Mounds State Park is a true jewel of Minnesota you're sure to love.
5. Aiton Heights Trail at Itasca State Park
State Park Road, State Park Rd, Greenway Township, MN, USA
Found in Itasca State Park, this quick hike is about a mile in length. Once you reach the end of the trail, you’ll find the Aiton Fire tower. If you dare, climb the 136 steps to the top for sweeping views of beautiful Lake Itasca and the surrounding landscape. Because the trees will likely be bare in the springtime, you'll be able to see for miles around.
6. Big Spring Falls at Banning State Park
Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Banning State Park in Minnesota offers over 15 miles of great hiking trails for both beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. If you're looking for something a little more gentle, take the easy 3/4-mile Big Spring Falls Trail. You'll travel through the forest for a short distance before coming to the rushing Kettle River. The sight of it tumbling over the sandstone is nothing short of breathtaking.
This little-known trail will deliver a big surprise! The 3/4-mile hike from the parking lot of the Caribou Falls State Wayside leads to gorgeous views of the 35-foot high Caribou Falls. You'll find the wayside along Highway 61 on the North Shore. Because of its lesser known location - not to mention the often unpredictable spring weather - you'll find a peaceful oasis in the woods if you visit this season.
8. Goldenrod Trail at Tamarack Nature Center
Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110, USA
Located at the Tamarack Nature Center in Minnesota, this easy, 2.8-mile trail loops through lush grasslands and - later in the season - beautiful flowers. This hike is perfect for a family day, and the nature center offers plenty of other fun activities for all ages.
9. Loop Trail at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
This next trail isn't the shortest, but it's definitely worth visiting in the spring! Within an hour of the Twin Cities lies Nerstrand Big Woods State Park with its 11 miles of hiking trails. About eight of those miles are along the Loop Trail, which leads hikers to a gorgeous waterfall. This park has nearly every kind of woodland bloom and a large identification guide to help you sort them. There is a lot to do at this pretty state park - even in the springtime!
10. Long Prairie Trail at Jeffers Petroglyphs
Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, MN 56019, USA
Take the one-mile trail to view the historic Jeffers Petroglyphs in Comfrey, Minnesota. Along the way, the waving prairie opens up to an outcrop of pink quartzite riddled with ancient carvings that tell the early history of Minnesota. This quick but fascinating hike is sure to be as much fun as it is educational.
12. Dakota Trail at Whitewater State Park
Whitewater State Park, 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910, USA
In May when spring is in full swing, this park is sure to be packed! Located in Minnesota's bluff country, this park draws fishermen and bird lovers alike. And because of its beautiful views, it also draws avid hikers. One of the best hikes is the Dakota Trail, a 3.9-mile trek through the woods. It passes alongside the Whitewater River, offering gorgeous water and cliff views. Whitewater State Park is amazing in and of itself, too, so be sure to check it out!
Would you add any spring hikes to the list? What hikes would you call the best hikes in Minnesota? Share your favorites in the comments; we love to hear from you. For more of the best hikes in Minnesota, check out these incredible little-known hikes in Minnesota!
Address: Superior Hiking Trail Oberg Mountain Loop, Tofte Township, MN 55615, USA
Address: Cascade River State Park, West, 3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612, USA
Address: Afton State Park Trail, Minnesota, USA
Address: Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Address: State Park Road, State Park Rd, Greenway Township, MN, USA
Address: Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Address: Caribou Falls, Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA
Address: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110, USA
Address: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
Address: Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, MN 56019, USA
Address: Whitewater State Park, 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Minnesota
April 15, 2022
Tori Jane
What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Minnesota?
Minnesota is a stunningly beautiful state with so much to offer, including awe-inspiring hiking trails, many of which are easy enough to be considered kid-friendly. Some of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around Minnesota include trails like the Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop at Gooseberry Falls State Park. It’s a three-mile adventure that features a breathtaking tiered waterfall, and definitely deserves a spot on your hiking bucket list. The Pike Island Loop is another wonderful, easy hike that’s great for families with kids; it’s within Fort Snelling State Park, and it’s 3.9 miles of wonderful hiking during the warmer months and world-class cross-country skiing during the colder months. Another favorite is the Silver Creek Trail, at Jay Cooke State Park. It’s. 3.4 miles long and includes an amazing larger-than-life waterfall and some truly incredible all-around scenery. Finally, check out the Shovel Point Trail at Tettegouche State Park; it’s 1.2 miles of beautiful hiking that’s a part of the famed Minnesota Hiking Club Trails. It’s a can’t-miss!
What are some of the most amazingly scenic hikes in Minnesota?
With as beautiful as Minnesota is, it only makes sense that it’s home to some absolutely dreamlike hikes and hiking trails. We love a good, scenic hike in Minnesota, and some of our favorite trails include the Eagle Mountain Trail at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which is three and a half challenging miles to some of Minnesota’s most awe-inspiring views. While at Boundary Waters Canoe Area, be sure to also do the 13-mile round-trip adventure that is the Angleworm Lake Trail; it’s best used by experienced hikers and features some truly inspiring scenery that’ll make you fall in love with Minnesota all over again. Or, head to Winona and do the Sugar Loaf Bluff hike, which is a 1.21-mile trek overlooking Winona and the Mississippi River; it’s rated as moderately challenging thanks to some inclines along the way. Finally, be sure to add the Superior Hiking Trail at Split Rock Ridge within Split Rock Lighthouse State Park for a truly incredible time; enjoy waterfalls and a strenuous hike to the top that features some truly excellent waterfall views.
Address: Superior Hiking Trail Oberg Mountain Loop, Tofte Township, MN 55615, USA
Address: Cascade River State Park, West, 3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612, USA
Address: Afton State Park Trail, Minnesota, USA
Address: Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Address: State Park Road, State Park Rd, Greenway Township, MN, USA
Address: Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Address: Caribou Falls, Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA
Address: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110, USA
Address: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
Address: Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, MN 56019, USA
Address: Whitewater State Park, 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910, USA
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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.
