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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

  • Minnesota Golf Trails Link Courses

    Some of Minnesota's 400+ golf courses are grouped together along trails, making it easy to enjoy an extended golf getaway.
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  • Minnesota Top Class in Bass

    Some of the best bass fishing you can find, you’ll find in Minnesota. Yes, in Minnesota, the walleye state.
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  • Take the St. Croix by Canoe or Paddleboat

    For a great getaway that is just an hour from the Twin Cities, head to Taylors Falls for a scenic trip down the St. Croix River.
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  • Get Your Thrills on the Character Challenge Course

    Are you ready to cross an Indiana Jones bridge 35 feet above the ground, experience 3 Gs of force in a free fall, or fly on a zip line?
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  • Birders Flock to Lac Qui Parle and Salt Lake

    Lac qui Parle means the “lake that speaks”—with the sounds of birds. Lac qui Parle County, in southern Minnesota, is one of the top birding destinations in Minnesota. Salt Lake and Lac Qui Parle offer exceptional birding opportunities in spring.
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  • Mad About Mountain Biking?

    Rough riders who prefer to do their biking far from the refinement of paved trails will find fat-tire paradise in Minnesota.
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  • Snowmobiling in Minnesota: Sled the Sparkling Scenery of Minnesota's Parks, Lakes and Forests

    Over 20,000 miles of groomed trails beckon snowmobilers to cruise on a sled amid the sparkling scenery of Minnesota’s parks, lakes, and forests.
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  • Snow Sports a Lifelong Pursuit

    Some of the most invigorating Minnesota sports embrace snow. Mother Nature and snow machines keep hills and trails in the white so enthusiasts can slalom, ski, slide, snowshoe, and sled to their hearts' delight.
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