5 Hikes With the Best Sunset Views in Minnesota

I love it when the days are long enough to allow me to close my laptop, step outside, and go for a sunset hike in Minnesota—as opposed to ending the workday in darkness—don't you? If you're also a lover of sunsets and hiking in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, I think you'll appreciate this handful of trails I came up with. The hikes on this list offer some of the most beautiful sunset views in Minnesota along five truly lovely footpaths.

1. Mount Tom Trail - Sibley State Park, New London

It just makes sense that some of Minnesota's best sunsets can be found in the western part of the state, where the terrain is more open, and the sky is bigger. It's even better if you can find a little bit of elevation to boost your perspective, and that's why the Mount Tom Trail at Sibley State Park is on this list. The trail is a moderate, 3.9-mile loop that includes a stop at a wooden tower perched atop the eponymous Mount Tom. The views from up here are incredible: 360 degrees and miles and miles of gorgeous Minnesota landscape, including forests and rolling prairies, all the way to the horizon. Watch the terrain change colors, from golden to pink to purple, as the sun sinks slowly into the west.

2. Jay Cooke State Park - Carlton

Hear me out on this one: Because of the terrain at Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton, you can't always see the sun setting. But the effects of the setting sun as its light dances across the rapids of the St. Louis River are nothing short of remarkable, and that's why Jay Cooke is on my list of places for amazing sunset hikes. Walk across the park's famous swinging bridge as the sun goes down, and you'll see precisely what I mean. Many of the park's fantastic trails start at the bridge, so pick an afternoon hike—like the easy, 3.2-mile Silver Creek Loop—then time your return so you're back at the bridge by sunset. You can use AllTrails Plus to gauge your pace to ensure that you're on time.

3. High Peak Trail - Glacial Lakes State Park, Starbuck

Another of my favorite sunset hikes is the easy, three-mile High Peak Trail at Glacial Lakes State Park, near Starbuck. The topography of this park is just stunning - I think it looks like something out of an Andrew Wyeth painting. Undulating prairies, glacial pothole lakes, and wide open skies make it perfect for panoramic sunsets, which you can enjoy at just about any point along the trail.

4. Chain of Lakes - Minneapolis

The three most walkable lakes in the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes—Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet—are arrayed along a north-south line. This means that a late afternoon walk along the east shore of any of these lakes (or all of them if you want to do a longer hike) is likely to provide spectacular sunset views. If you ask me, the best of the three for sunsets is Bde Maka Ska, but they all offer excellent potential.

5. Bean and Bear Lake Loop - Silver Bay

I imagine we all suspected this one was coming. There's probably not be a more iconic Bold North hiking image than that of Bean and Bear Lakes along the Superior Hiking Trail. Moreover, the renowned overlook where those images are taken faces toward the southwest: perfect for a sunset view in northern Minnesota. You'll have to work for the reward of a sunset view from up here, though. The trail is a 6.6-mile loop over rugged terrain with more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. To earn a sunset view from this famous perch, you not only have to hike up to it, but you must also be prepared to either camp or hike back down in the dark. If you ask me, though, the journey is well worth it.

So close that laptop, lace up your hiking shoes, and let's go chase a sunset. Happy sunset chasing! Clearly, there are far more trails where you can enjoy a fantastic sunset hike in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Tell us about some of your favorite hikes in Minnesota where you can enjoy an incredible sunset. When you're ready to set out on your next hiking adventure in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, be sure to check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner before you go. It's a wonderful resource where you can find on-the-ground tips and trip inspiration as you plan.