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Outdoors & Nature in Minnesota

Minnesota’s 10,000-plus lakes scattered throughout vast forests make it a great playground for outdoor lovers. Public recreational lands include a first-rank State Parks system, a wide variety of hiking and biking trails, two national forests, one national park, and much more. In the winter, there are more than 20,000 miles of designated snowmobile trails, ice fishing, and skiing on well-groomed cross-country trails or at exciting downhill venues.

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Featured Outdoors & Nature Travel Ideas

  • Discover New Snowmobile Trails

    A gigantic web of interconnected, groomed trails-more than 20,000 miles-lures snowmobilers away from home to play on these scenic, well-maintained routes.
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  • State Parks: Playing in a Winter Wonderland

    State parks in Minnesota are full of beauty and fun activities. Handy guides show you what's happening.
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  • Cross-Country Skiing in Minnesota

    Minnesota's cross-country skiing trails offer more miles of skiing than a trek from St. Paul to Los Angeles
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  • Ice Is Nice: No Fuss Fishing

    Ice fishing has been a favorite Minnesota pastime for many generations of anglers. This low tech, no fuss, boat-free, casual type of fishing has a special appeal all its own.
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  • Watch for Eagles, Swans & Owls

    Bald eagles can be spotted all winter along parts of the Mississippi River in southeast Minnesota, especially along a five-mile stretch between Wabasha and the tiny village of Reads Landing.
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See reports on fishing, birding, and more

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