Posted in Minnesota Hiking, Nature April 17, 2022 by

10 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Minnesota That Are 1 Mile And Under

With as much natural beauty as Minnesota has, it is no surprise that many who live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes are nature lovers. But there’s not always time to explore the many parks, forests, and lakes, especially those that are big. Still, it’s nice to get outside. One great way to spend a day with your family during these upcoming months without exerting too much effort is to take one of the following short, kid-friendly hikes. They’re only about a mile long, so it won’t take long at all. They’re also some of the best hikes in Minnesota.

1. Upper Bluffs Trail - Frontenac State Park
Scott Costello/Flickr
The Upper Bluffs Trail can be accessed from the paved trail starting in the parking lot at picturesque Frontenac State Park. The trail leads to In-Yan-Teopa, a limestone rock formation. You'll travel through dense, tree-covered areas with picturesque views of the lake. At 3/4-mile long, this trail is perfect for a family adventure.
Frontenac State Park, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN 55026, USA
2. Big Bog Boardwalk - Big Bog State Recreation Area
USFWSmidwest/Flickr
With the largest peat bog in the lower 48, Big Bog State Recreation Area, located near Waskish, is home to a unique landscape. Beginning at Ludlow Island, the Big Bog Boardwalk continues for 1 mile and gives visitors encounters with orchids, yellow-eyed grass, and carnivorous sundews and pitcher plants. You won’t regret taking the family for a hike at Big Bog.
Big Bog State Recreation Area Southern Unit, 55716 MN-72, Waskish, MN 56685, USA
3.Big Pond Loop - Northfield
Scott Costello/Flickr
Located in Northfield, Big Pond Loop is an easy hike for any family. With restored prairie land and forest, this 0.8-mile trail will give you an abundance of wildflower and wildlife views. The big pond is great for catching sight of ducks and geese, and you’re sure to see many bluebirds. Make sure to bring something to feed the ducks.
Northfield, MN 55057, USA
4. Loon Island Trail - Lake Shetek State Park
Tony Webster/Flickr
Lake Shetek State Park is a beautiful place for a quiet hike. One of our favorite trails is the 1-mile Loon Island Trail. Beginning east of the boat launch and looping around Loon Island, this scenic trail is relatively flat. That makes this an easy hike for your next family outing. Along the shoreline of the lake, you may see a white-tailed deer, a fox, and even a pelican amongst other furry critters.
Lake Shetek State Park, 163 State Park Rd, Currie, MN 56123, USA
5. Caribou Falls Trail - Silver Bay
Kelli Koob/Flickr
Way up in the North Country is the scenic town of Silver Bay, home to the Caribou Falls Trail. Caribou Falls is truly a hidden gem nestled along the Superior Hiking Trail. To get to the trail, begin at the Caribou Falls State Wayside rest, which is just off of Highway 61. From there, take the 1/2-mile trail of ever so slight inclines and declines that give way to spectacular views of the 35-foot waterfall. At one mile round trip, this hike is great for a family day.
Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
6. Minneopa Falls Trail - Minneopa State Park
Priya Saihgal/Flickr
The next time you’re in the Mankato area, make sure to stop at Minneopa State Park. For a quick, easy hike for the entire family, take the Minneopa Falls Trail. This trail begins from the parking lot on a paved surface before crossing a bridge over the upper portion of the stunning waterfall. From here, you can continue across the edge of a ravine to descend a limestone staircase to a dirt trail along the water’s edge. Continue to follow the dirt trail as it makes its way across the water to a beautiful pool.
Minneopa State Park, 54497 Gadwall Rd, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
7. Big Spring Falls - Banning State Park
uskidz/Flickr
If you’re up for a great hike in a beautiful location, head to Banning State Park. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous views of Big Spring Falls. The gentle 3/4-mile trail to the falls will have you traveling through forest for a short distance before coming to the coursing Kettle River. This hike is great for all hiking levels, from small children to seasoned hikers. You won’t regret this quick hike on your next adventure outing.
Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
8. Cascade River Lower Loop - Cascade River State Park
Jeff Achen/Flickr
Cascade River State Park is easily one of the most beautiful spots in northern Minnesota. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, make sure you hop out of the car for this easy 1/2-mile loop from the parking lot. Your hike will be packed with breathtaking views of Cascade River Falls. To get there, you’ll cross through a forest and over the river all the while taking in the most glorious sights.
Cascade River State Park, West, 3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612, USA
9. Long Prairie Trail - Comfrey
minnemom/Flickr
There’s a reason Long Prairie Trail often makes our list of best hikes. This short, 1-mile hike is perfect for a family day. With a mix of history and awesome views, come see the Jeffers Petroglyphs on this 1/4-mile trail. Follow a grassy path and continue through beautiful prairie flowers, and end back at the visitor center. Then take the Short Prairie Trail approximately 1/4 miles to the petroglyphs for a look at Minnesota's early history.
Comfrey, MN 56019, USA
10. Riverview Trail - John A. Latsch State Park
Joe Passe/Flickr
The stunning Riverview Trail is a 0.7-mile, lightly trafficked trail that's located near Mount Vernon, Minnesota. This trail can be found in picturesque John A. Latsch State Park. On your journey, you may just catch sight of the park's wild residents. Coyotes, foxes, and white-tailed deer call this state park home. If you’re feeling up for an adventure, climb to the top of Mount Charity, one of three bluffs that steamboat captains once used to navigate their way down the Mighty Mississippi. This kid-friendly hike will surely be a family favorite.
John A. Latsch State Park, US-61, Minnesota City, MN 55959, USA

Minnesotans, do you know of any other kid-friendly hikes in Minnesota? What do you think are the best hikes in Minnesota for kids? Let us know in the comments!

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The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in minnesota

April 22, 2022
Jennifer Young

What are three of the best kid-friendly hikes around Minnesota?

Minnesota boasts a variety of trails for all skill levels, even several that are perfect for kids. Listed below are three of our favorite kid-friendly trails in Minnesota.

1. Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop

Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop is a three-mile loop trail in Gooseberry Falls State Park. This trail is a popular area for road biking and birding, in addition to hiking. A great time to use this trail is from March through October.

2. Pike Island Loop

Located in Fort Snelling State Park is the Pike Island Loop, a 3.9-mile loop trail that's mostly used for hiking, birding, and cross-country skiing. This trail is perfect for using all year long.

3. Lebanon Hills Loop

Lebanon Hills Loop is located in Lebanon Hills Regional Park. It's a 5.3-mile loop trail with a moderate level of difficulty. Most people use this trail whenever they're in the mood for hiking, running, or cross-country skiing.

What are three easy hikes in Minnesota that are also among the most scenic?

While some trails are difficult to hike, many others are quite easy. Listed below are three of Minnesota's easiest trails that are also some of the state's most scenic.

1. Walter F. Mondale River Trail

Located in Interstate State Park is Minnesota's Walter F. Mondale River Trail. This 2.3-mile, out-and-back trail is a popular spot for anyone wanting to take an afternoon walk.

2. Banning Quarry Loop Trail

Minnesota's Banning Quarry Loop Trail is located in Banning State Park. This 2.5-mile loop trail is mostly used for hiking, running, and camping. The best time of year to experience this trail is from March through October.

3. High Falls Trail

Grand Portage State Park is home to Minnesota's High Falls Trail. This 1.1-mile, out-and-back trail is mostly used from May through October. It's a popular trail for hiking and walking.