Hiking in Minneapolis, MN

Though only 340-acres, Lake Minnewashta’s short trail loops offer moderate changes in elevation and excellent views of the lakeshore.

Within the 862-acre Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park is the Tamarack Nature Center, which has over 4 miles of hiking trails through scenic landscapes and hosts a variety of wildlife.

This 15-acre sanctuary is the oldest public garden in the USA and provides one of the best birding spots for the whole Twin Cities area.

Comprised of nearly 14,000-acres of wetland, floodplain forest, and tall grass prairie, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers hikers and trail runners many diverse landscapes to explore.

In this 150-acre urban park, hikers and trail runners will equally enjoy the 2.2 miles of quiet trails through marshland and rolling prairie.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum has something for everyone, be it smelling the flowers in the rose garden, getting lost in the hedge maze, or hiking the 12.5 miles of trails.

With its friendly staff and 2-miles of hiking trails, Wargo Nature Center is a great place to go for a walk in the woods.

Tucked away in the Minneapolis first-tier suburb of Eden Prairie, there is a 125-acre park, which features 4 miles of hiking trails within a very geologically diverse setting.

Louisville Swamp is one of the largest and most diverse sections in the whole Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re interested in walking, hiking, climbing, or even learning about Minnesota’s war history, then you will find everything and more here at Louisville Swamp.

Nestled between the mighty Mississippi River and Minnehaha Creek, Minnehaha Park offers its visitors 10-miles of hiking trails, handsome views of the 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, and one of Minneapolis’ best dog off-leash areas.

With its great views of the Mississippi River and 3 miles of hiking trails, Spring Lake Park Reserve is small, but definitely worth a visit.

With 22 miles of hiking trails and 2,000-acres of protected meadow and wetland, Lake Elmo Park Reserve is a great place to hike with the whole family.

Offering 579-acres of rolling upland prairie, forested bluffs, and mixed-conifer forest, St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park is a great place for a short walk in the woods.