Outdoor Recreation Travel Ideas

• Minnesota Running Series

  

  Runners--take the Explore Minnesota Challenge! Throughout 2012, participate in a new statewide series of running and walking events. Earn awards by participating in each region.
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• Pedal Bike-Friendly Minnesota

  

  Minnesota has gained a national reputation as a great state for bicycling. Explore more of Minnesota's great bike routes and trails and experience bike-friendly communities throughout the state.
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• Nice Ride Bikes and Tours Expand in Twin Cities

  

  A great way to explore the Twin Cities as a visitor, or as a guide with out-of-towners, is to travel by bike. Nice Ride, the Twin Cities’ bike share program, is expanding into new neighborhoods and offers fun theme tours that show off the metro area in unique ways.
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• Ride On: Bike Trails to Explore

  

  Spring is here, which means it’s time to get off your spin bike and put pedal to the pavement. Not sure where to start? Here are six of our favorite paved paths, all within a two-hour drive of the Twin Cities.
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• Minnesota's Rail-to-Trail Bikeways

  

  Minnesota has more miles of paved rail-to-trail bikeways than any other state. Enough said. What’s rail-to-trail? It’s a network of trails created over former rail lines.
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• Ten Unique Golf Holes in Minnesota

  

  Minnesota has hundreds of golf courses, and probably at least that many unique golf holes. Here are ten of the most unique at various courses around the state.
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• Off-Road Trails Featured in ATV Guide

  

  Minnesota ATVentures is an annual guide with maps and insider information on trails that cater to all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and off-road vehicles.
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• Wild North Golf

  

  Golf in the Wild North is, well, wild. The farther north you go, the wilder it gets.
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• Experience the Prairie at Buffalo River State Park

  

  Buffalo River State Park has one of the state’s largest areas of native and restored prairie, featuring a great variety of grasses and wildflowers and 12 miles of hiking trails.
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• Stroll the Big Bog Boardwalk

  

  Big Bog State Recreation Area has the largest peat bog (500 square miles) in the lower 48 states. This is a unique landscape to explore and a great place to examine plants and animals, including rare specimens.
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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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• 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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• Surf's Up in Minnesota With MN Surf Co.

  

  Minnesota may not have an endless summer, but it offers year-round surfing and kiting sports.
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• Roses Bloom on Duluth Waterfront

  

  The Duluth Rose Garden is a unique, contemplative spot in the center of the city with an impressive showcase of plants, including hundreds of rose varieties and some unique hybrids.
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• Cycle the Glacial Lakes State Trail

  

  To see central Minnesota’s lake country and charming small towns, bike the Glacial Lakes State Trail, which extends northeast of Willmar to the Kandiyohi County line, passing through Spicer, New London, and Hawick.
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• Carver Park Reserve a Destination for Recreation and Nature

  

  Just west of the Twin Cities, Carver Park Reserve offers something for everyone: nature, trails, lakes, history, and camping.
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• Scale Eagle Mountain, a Minnesota Landmark

  

  For one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in Minnesota, scale Eagle Mountain, the state’s highest point.
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• Get Outside and Play with Your Kids

  

  Let’s be honest. It’s not just the kids who could use a little fresh air. Good thing Minnesota’s full of fun, family-style outdoor opportunities for all styles and skill levels. Pick an activity, and get out and play—together.
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