Throughout Minnesota, hundreds of hiking trails loop through state parks and nature areas. There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer exploring thick forests or taking in wildflower fields. And lucky for us, there are plenty of trails to explore no matter your experience or ability level. Although these are short hikes in Minnesota, we think they’re some of the best hikes in the state, and as an added perk, each one is under three miles, so you won’t have to give up an entire day if you don’t want to.

1. Outer Hiking Trail - Springbrook Nature Center
Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432, USA
Springbrook Nature Center/Facebook
The Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley is a great way to spend an afternoon without straying too far from the metro area. The 127-acre park has 3 miles of trails that lead through woodland and wetland, some of the most scenic hikes in Minnesota. The Outer Hiking Trail is just 1.5 miles. It runs along the perimeter of the park and it sure to give you a glimpse of the nature you crave.
2. Congdon Park Trail - Duluth
Congdon Park Drive, Congdon Park Dr, Duluth, MN, USA
TheMichaelMcKenzie/Flickr
Along Duluth's lovely Tischer Creek, a 1.5 mile leads through beautiful scenery. The historic Glensheen mansion is nearby, so working in a hike would make for a great Duluth day trip.
3. Garvin Heights Park Trail - Winona
Garvin Heights Road, Garvin Heights Rd, Winona, MN 55987, USA
Adam Dooley/Flickr
When the bluffs of southern Minnesota call, a visit to Garvin Heighs Park in Winona is an ideal way to answer. Pack your hiking shoes: the 1.5-mile trail leads up a steep incline, but in the end you'll be rewarded with the gorgeous views at this scenic hike in Minnesota.
4. Jensen Lake Trail - Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Lebanon Hills Regional Trail, Eagan, MN 55123, USA
Kent Landerholm/Flickr
The 2,000-acre Lebanon Hills Regional Park boasts many lakes and trails through the scenic Dakota County. Jensen Lake is just one of them. One of the more kid-friendly trials around Minnesota, the 2.1-mile scenic trail around the lake will bring you the peace and quiet you deserve.
5. Saint Croix River Trail - Interstate State Park
Interstate State Park, Milltown Road, Taylors Falls, MN, USA
MN Photos/Flickr
With all the talk of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes, our many beautiful river views are sometimes forgotten. But the St. Croix River Trail at Interstate State Park will help you remember. This trail leads you along 2.5 miles of gorgeous riverfront, including thick forests and interesting rock formations. It’s not only one of our favorite short hikes in Minnesota - we think it’s one of the most scenic hikes in Minnesota.
6. Minnehaha Creek Trail - 1.9 miles
Minnehaha Creek, Minnesota, USA
amee@work/Flickr
This trail is immensely popular, so you won't likely find a lot of peace and quiet here. But there's a reason it's considered by so many to be one of the best hikes in Minnesota. Minnehaha Creek is truly beautiful, and it's hard to say no to a 53-foot waterfall. If you have an hour or two to hike a leisurely 1.9 miles, you could do worse than this trail.
7. Lake Maria Trail - Lake Maria State Park
Lake Maria State Park, Clementa Ave NW, Monticello, MN, USA
Nancy Sims/Flickr
Lake Maria State Park was made for those who love to hike. The park contains many wetlands, including ponds and small lakes. There, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the diverse wildlife that makes a home in the area. Among the many trails on offer here, the Lake Maria Trail may give you the best bang for your buck. At 1.8 miles, it's a good length for an afternoon stroll through Minnesota's beautiful landscape. And if you think these trails are beautiful in the summer, just wail till you see them in the winter. The winter trails and summer trails may be different at Lake Maria. Check the maps on AllTrails before you head out.
8. Battle Creek Trail - Indian Mounds Park
Indian Mounds Regional Park, 10 Mounds Blvd, St Paul, MN 55106, USA
evilfoo/Flickr
Did you know Minnesota has several trails that lead to ancient ruins? The Battle Creek Trail and Indian Mounds is one of the most interesting hikes in Minnesota. This trail through St. Paul's Indian Mounds Park brings you up close to 2,000-year-old burial mounds. At 2.9 miles, it's one of the longer trails on this list. But for the up-close view of ancient history, it's worth it.
9. Richardson Nature Center Trail - Hyland Lake Park Reserve
Hyland Lake Park Reserve - Recreation Area, 10145 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438, USA
Josh Sullivan/Flickr
This 2.3-mile trail is noted for the beautiful wildlife hikers have a chance to see. Wildflowers bloom in warm months, and it's always possible to catch a glimpse of the coyotes, deer, or many bird species that make a home here. Despite it's length, its one of the more kid-friendly trails in Minnesota, especially if the wildflowers are in bloom.
10. Middle Road Trail - Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Rapids Lake Education And Visitor Center, 15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315, USA
NatureNerd/Flickr
The Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge is a treasure trove of amazing nature scenes. Over 14,000 acres, guests can search for plant and animal species native to Minnesota. One of the most interesting parts of the refuge is the Louisville Swamp. The 1.5-mile Middle Road Trail Trail leads through part of the swamp, giving visitors a good view of marsh, stream, and forest.
11. Lake Carlos State Park Trail - Lake Carlos State Park
Lake Carlos State Park, 2601 County Rd 38 NE, Carlos, MN 56319, USA
stpaulgirl/Flickr
Lake Carlos State Park boasts a deep lake, forest scenes, and even a tamarack bog. If that sounds like something up your alley, why not give this little-known state park a whirl? A 2.8-mile trail will help you get your bearings in this little-known state park. Use your smartphone to navigate the park and its trails with the AllTrails app. Then, you can pitch a tent, drop a line, and bask in nature's beauty.
12. Lake Como Loop Trail - St. Paul
Eric Weisser/Flickr
Here's another busy trail that many take on a warm summer day. Its popularity is owed in part to its location near the Como Park Zoo, but Lake Como is an attraction all its own. The 1.7-mile trail leads around the scenic lake, with plenty of places to stop to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Have you ever hiked any of these Minnesota trails? Let us know which ones you like best! If you’re looking for something just a bit longer, check out our list of easy hikes in Minnesota under five miles. You can download offline maps and get route tips and guidance for any of the trails with AllTrails+.

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best hikes in Minnesota

Jackie Ann | July 06, 2022

What are the most well-known parks in Minnesota?

Did you know that there are 66 state parks in Minnesota? One of the most popular state parks is Gooseberry Falls, home to one of the most well-known waterfalls in Minnesota. One of the most scenic state parks in Minnesota has got to be Itasca State Park, and if you can catch this beauty of a park during the fall when the leaves begin to change, you’re in for a real treat.

What are the best wildflower hikes in Minnesota?

If you get your timing right, wildflower hikes can be some of the most scenic hikes in Minnesota. The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary is a great place to start. The 15-acre oasis in Minneapolis features some of the most colorful and kid-friendly hikes around Minnesota. After you visit that wildflower garden, head over to Carley State Park in Plainview, a tiny but mighty state park that’s home to a gorgeous two-mile loop trail that follows along the Whitewater River. Between the waterfront views and the wildflowers dotting your path, it’s no wonder why this is one of the most scenic hikes in Minnesota.

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