Nature

Nature
National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Minnesota Locals Want To Keep to Themselves

Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Minnesota where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.

by Trent Jonas
on May 16
A calm section of the Buffalo River flows past rocks and dense green forest on a summer day in Minnesota.
Nature

The Paddling Trail in Minnesota That’s Better Than Most Hikes

by Trent Jonas
on May 5
Scenic summer view of the Cannon River State Water Trail winding through a lush green forest in Minnesota
Nature

6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Minnesota for a Spring Hike

by Trent Jonas
on Apr 21
A narrow dirt hiking path winds through a forest floor covered in white spring wildflowers in Minnesota.
Nature

4 Magical Spots You Didn’t Know Existed in Itasca State Park

by Trent Jonas
on Apr 14
Scenic wooden boardwalk trail winding through a lush green wetlands area in Itasca State Park.
Nature

Burlington Bay in Minnesota Has Clear Waters That Rival the Caribbean

by Trent Jonas
on Mar 31
Aerial view of Two Harbors Lighthouse and the rocky shoreline of Burlington Bay, Minnesota.

Latest Nature

Nature
Hiking

Don’t Try This One Hike in Minnesota If You’re Afraid of Heights

Discover why Red Wing’s Barn Bluff is the one Minnesota hike to avoid if you have a fear of heights. Find out which route offers the same views without the panic.

by Trent Jonas
on Jan 29
A blonde hiker looks out over the Mississippi River valley and the city of Red Wing from the scenic summit of Barn Bluff on a sunny day.
Nature

Find 6 Bucket-List-Level Views in Minnesota Without Needing To Be an Expert Hiker

Minnesota is a beautiful state that's home to many incredible views. Here are half a dozen you can reach with just a short, easy walk.

by Trent Jonas
on Dec 17
Split Rock Lighthouse sits atop a dramatic, rocky cliff overlooking the deep blue waters of Lake Superior, framed by green trees and a pebble beach in the foreground on a clear, sunny day.
Nature
Hiking

This Scenic Minnesota Trail Is Even Better in the Winter

The Molly Stark and Annie Battle Lakes Loop at Glendalough State Park is even prettier in the snow. In fact, it's one of the best winter hikes in Minnesota.

by Trent Jonas
on Dec 3
A group of winter hikers walks along a snow-packed trail at Glendalough State Park in Minnesota, surrounded by trees covered in thick white hoarfrost under a bright blue sky.
Nature
Hiking

This Is the Most Claustrophobic Hike in Minnesota—Would You Try It?

The Kadunce River gorge may offer the most claustrophobic hike in Minnesota. If you don't mind the narrow canyon, though, the beauty of the hike is worth it.

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 19
Snow blankets a frozen creek in a narrow slot canyon with rugged rocky walls.
Nature
Hiking

The Scenic 5.3-Mile National Forest Trail in Minnesota Worth the Sweat

This scenic 5.3-mile trail in the Superior National Forest of Minnesota offers stunning views. They serve as an apt reward for your hiking efforts.

by Trent Jonas
on Oct 15
A view over a green forest that's beginning to take on the yellows of autumn to the vast blue waters of Lake Superior.
Nature
National & State Parks

Minnesota’s Underrated Rice Lake State Park Will Surprise You This Fall

Rice Lake State Park in southern Minnesota is often overlooked for more popular parks. But this gem is a stunner when fall foliage season rolls around.

by Trent Jonas
on Sep 28
Vibrant fall foliage, in golds and reds, is visible across a an expanse of reeds.
Nature
Hiking

4 Underrated National Forest Hikes in Minnesota That Rival Isle Royale National Park’s Trails

Explore four underrated hikes in Minnesota’s national forests, from scenic overlooks to quiet woodland trails far from the crowds.

by Trent Jonas
on May 7
A large bull moose in velvet steps out of a lake in Northern Minnesota before disappearing into the woods.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

5 Best State Park Beaches in Minnesota to Visit to Close Out Summer

These are the five best state park beaches in Minnesota. There's still time to visit them before summer ends.

by Trent Jonas
on Aug 12
Afton State Park in the summer
Nature
Hiking

The Biggest Surprise I Came Across While Hiking This Incredible Trail in Minnesota

The Centennial Trail in Minnesota's Superior National Forest is a beautiful wilderness hike. It also highlights some fascinating aspects of the area's history.

by Trent Jonas
on Jul 21
alt
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Adventure’s Calling: This Beach Is Ideal for Discovering Agates in Minnesota

Sugarloaf Point SNA near Schroeder, Minnesota, is home to a pebble beach full of treasures. It's an agate hunter's paradise.

by Trent Jonas
on Jul 14
alt