We all have stress in our lives and nothing helps beat the stress like time spent in nature. Minnesota is full of fantastic scenery and, if you ever need to decompress, you can find many of your own secret spots where you’ll get some quality alone time. The best part about secret spots is that they’re…secret! Head to one of these starting points to discover YOUR secret spots.

1. The easiest escape is a soothing drive in the Minnesota countryside. Drive until you find the dirt roads and enjoy the silence when you stop.
Flickr/Randen Pederson
2. Try one of Minnesota's scenic Scientific and Natural Areas for some peace and quiet. Frenchman's Bluff SNA is particularly gorgeous.
Flickr/Justin Meissen
See https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/index.html for a full list of the state's SNAs.
3. Bluestem prairie is another example of a beautiful SNA. Try a walk through the prairie at sunset.
Flickr/Justin Meissen
4. Take a hike on a local trail. The further uphill, the less likely you'll be around other people. This trail in Duluth off Skyline is spectacular.
Flickr/David Scaglione
5. Experience your local lake. Try sitting on the shores or out on a boat if you can manage it for the most relaxing feeling in the world.
Flickr/Joanna Gilkeson/USFWS
6. Sit along the local river. Most have small trails leading down to the water for a secluded spot like this one on Split Rock River.
Flickr/Mr Moment

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7. Head to your local arboretum or public garden. These spaces are usually very quiet and the corners are the best place to hide and rest.
Flickr/Bethany Khan
8. It doesn't get any more secluded than a trip up to the boundary waters, and if you try planning when you know fishing isn't at its peak you will find the best chance at solitude.
Flickr/Albert Leung
9. In your local park, look for the picnic tables that seem far away from everything else or find a tree trunk to lean against. You're guaranteed to be left alone and people often forget how quiet parks are on most weekdays.
Flickr/David Scaglione
10. Head to Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) for endless scenery much like the SNAs mentioned before.
Flickr/Justin Meissen
11. Bonus: When you're at the WMAs there's more of a chance to see fantastic wildlife!
Flickr/Justin Meissen
Check out https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wmas/index.html for the list of WMAs in Minnesota.
12. For another relaxing aquatic experience, take to the water in a kayak for a truly peaceful day. You can drift and enjoy the scenery without the hassle of a boat.
Flickr/Sharon Mollerus
13. The North Shore is big enough for everyone. Take a hike in any of the parks up the shore or drive to a lookout to enjoy the views. There are so many secret spots, there are even books on the topic!
Flickr/Tony Webster

By now you must certainly have a few ideas about where you can hide and get some quality views and quiet for a relaxing experience in nature. Share a picture of one of your new secret spots with us on the Only In Minnesota Facebook page (of course, you had better leave out the caption if you want it to stay secret!).

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