Hiking Trails in Minneapolis

Summer in Minnesota. It's a special time that not many people who aren't from Minnesota know about. What's so great about it? Well, Minnesota has some of the most diverse scenery around, which opens the gates for tons of outdoor activities.

One of those activities is hiking. There are tons of places to hike around Minnesota, so I encourage you to try out as many different trails as possible. With that being said, here's a list of some of my favorite trails around the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Fort Snelling State Park

I will always mention Fort Snelling as one of the top parks around Minneapolis. It's a quiet oasis in the midst of the bustling city. There are over eight miles of hiking trails that will take you through the woods, with breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. Fort Snelling offers activities such as birdwatching as well. The park itself opens at 8 am and closes at 10 pm. The cost of the park is free, however parking is not. To park for the day will cost you $5. If you plan to go to the park more often, and you should, you can by a yearly permit for only $25. Visit www.dnr.mn.us/state_parks/fort_snelling or www.exploreminnesota.com for more details and current maps.

Three Rivers Park District

This area features over 200 miles of trails, so it's sure to keep you busy. And on this hike you'll see pretty much everything from wetlands to old farmhouses. Some of the trails are paved, while others are not. You can take the trails at your own pace, just keep in mind that bikers use a lot of the trails as well. This district includes several different trails, so you'll have lots to explore. Parking is free, which is definitely a bonus. Check out www.threeriversparkdistrict.org for details and maps.

Phalen Regional Park

This park is located in downtown St. Paul, right by Lake Phalen. It provides almost everything: trails, picnic spots and in the winter, ice skating. This park offers beautiful beach views, but is still within the city. There's also a rec center nearby, for even more entertainment. This is area where bikers are, so make sure to be safe. Head over to www.exploreminnesota.com for details.

This is only a small list. With all that Minnesota has to offer, after you conquer these trails, you'll soon be on the lookout for more.