Dudley Edmondson, an author and activist from Duluth
Article

Minnesota’s Best Hikes (and Where to Refuel)

Scroll to Read
Image Caption
Nancy Latour-Edmondson

Minnesota’s Best Hikes (and Where to Refuel)

By AFAR

Discover the North Star State’s scenic beauty on its abundant trails — and enjoy mouthwatering lunch spots along the way — with these tips from Dudley Edmondson, an author and activist with a passion for getting people of color outdoors. 

Dudley Edmondson at Hawk Ridge Nature Preserve

Dudley Edmondson at Hawk Ridge Nature Preserve / Nancy Latour-Edmondson

Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota seems to have just as many hiking and biking trails, all ready for adventure. Few know that better than devoted birder, filmmaker and wildlife photographer Dudley Edmondson, a longtime Duluth resident who has been exploring the trails of the uppermost area of this great Midwestern state for decades.

“Learning about nature and the environment is a never-ending quest for me,” he says. “It’s a constant in my life. I’m a life-long bird watcher — as long as I can see or hear the outdoors I’m always birding. There’s a therapeutic piece to that; it’s relaxing to see and hear and watch birds.” 

Dudley Edmondson book, Black and Brown Faces in America's Wild Places

How to Connect with Nature 

Growing up in inner-city Columbus, Ohio, Edmondson sought refuge in the nearby wooded areas, and even as a child, intuitively recognized the great healing properties of being outdoors. As an adult, he’s made it part of his life’s work to inspire people of color to get out into nature more often. His groundbreaking 2006 book "Black and Brown Faces in America's Wild Places" continues to serve as a beacon for BIPOC budding nature enthusiasts.

“I wrote it to tell the story of people like me — African Americans with a deep, unwavering connection to nature," explains Edmondson. "I wanted to create outdoor role models for young African Americans."

"November Night at Stoney Point" photo by Dudley Edmonson

"November Night at Stoney Point" photo by Dudley Edmonson

Connecting with the outdoors is paramount for everybody in our increasingly urbanized world, adds Edmondson. “Our mental and physical well-being depends on it. People who submerge themselves in nature are simply healthier. We need to see, understand, and appreciate how we fit into the web of life.”

Edmondson recognizes that humans aren’t the only ones who benefit: “The earth needs us to have that awareness, too; people protect what they love and understand.” Here, Edmondson offers a primer of Minnesota highlights from North to South. Follow his expert advice to start your own journey to increased well-being. 

A family enjoys swiftwater rafting in Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton

Swiftwater rafting in Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton / Micah Kvidt

Marvel at Northeastern Minnesota’s Superior Vistas

There’s no shortage of ways to commune with nature and the birds along the shores of Lake Superior in Northeastern Minnesota. Full of rivers and unbroken tracks of coniferous forests, with an abundance of pine and deciduous trees and plenty of other wilderness, it’s easy to find peace here. As Edmondson says, “I can walk or bike from my house and be where there are hardly any people.” 

Indeed, there’s an abundance of parks and trails right in Duluth that Edmondson favors, including Jay Cooke State Park. “There is never a bad time of year to visit Jay Cooke; it’s my favorite park to hike close to home,” he says. “The old-growth pine forests are full of trails with lots of wildlife and birds. It’s one of the best places I know to see white-tailed deer and bald eagles.” 

Nearby, Duluth Lakewalk Trail, a favorite of tourists and locals alike, provides stunning views of the city’s downtown area and Lake Superior. For a better look at the water, head out to Park Point trailhead, the world’s longest freshwater sandbar, stretching seven miles out into Lake Superior. “The trail winds through a pine forest and offers access to Lake Superior on one side and the harbor on the other. Depending on the time of year you visit, the area has great bird watching, as migrants use the sandspit both spring and fall.” 

Mother and son play together by the shore of Lake Superior

Take in the incredible view of Lake Superior from Black Beach near Silver Bay / Paul Vincent

Also among his favorite places in Northeastern Minnesota, Hawk Ridge Nature Preserve is 235 acres of undeveloped land at the highest point along the eastern portion of Skyline Parkway.

“It’s excellent in fall," says Edmondson, "around September and October, when migratory birds and birds of prey pass by the shore of Lake Superior. It’s a large body of water, so they travel along the shore, out of Alaska and Canada.”

Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and broad-winged hawks — the Duluth Audubon Society has been counting hawks during the annual migration here since the early 1950s. 

Getting hungry? About a 20-minute drive from Hawk Ridge you’ll find the casual, family-oriented Duluth Grill, which serves a seasonal menu of organic ingredients. “They grow their produce on the premises,” says Edmondson, who favors the cowboy-style burger with fries. Insider tip: Work off some of those fries while mountain biking on Duluth Traverse trail, which is also hikeable. 

Aerial of the North Shore

Split Rock Lighthouse and the Gitchi-Gami State Trail on the North Shore / Waqar Ahmad

Further up the North Shore, Coho Café and Bakery in Tofte serves up award-winning pizza and homemade bread. In the town of Two Harbors, you’ll find SpokeNGear, a hybrid coffee shop, bike store and restaurant all under the same roof.

“It’s a good place to rent a bike, bike around the North Shore and grab a sandwich and coffee,” says Edmondson, who recommends the shredded pork sandwich on a ciabatta bun, with a word of caution: “It’s really spicy.”

Should you want to venture further into nature, there are several state parks near Duluth worthy of your time, including Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Edmondson also suggests a walk along the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, a paved hiking and biking trail that winds through the woods, with amazing views of Lake Superior. 

Two women biking, Sauk Centre bandshell, Lake Wobegon Trail

Two bikers stop at the Sauk Centre bandshell along the Lake Wobegon Trail / Waqar Ahmad

Seek Peace (and Birds and Bees) in the Twin Cities and Small Towns

When Edmondson has meetings in the Twin Cities, he makes a point to wander through the hiking and biking trails at Theodore Wirth Regional Park, the largest park in Minneapolis. While there, be sure to traipse through the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, to watch birds and pollinators.

“The Indigo Bunting is my favorite bird there. You’ll also see great crested flycatchers; the American goldfinch, which is a really beautiful bird; and species of bees and butterflies, such as monarchs, red-spotted purple butterflies and Eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies.” Come lunchtime, head to the nearby coffeehouse Cuppa Java for good brew and sandwiches. “The sausage egg and cheese on a croissant is pretty amazing,” raves Edmondson. 

Outside the metropolitan area, you’ll discover plenty of charm and outdoor adventures. Between the cities of Osakis and St. Joseph, travel down the 62-mile paved Lake Wobegon Trail (named after Garrison Keillor’s fictional town in his much-loved A Prairie Home Companion show on public radio). Along the way you’ll find quiet rolling hills, picturesque country towns, dairy farms and lakes and streams. Take a break and soak up that quintessential small-town allure served up with humble but tasty American fare at Charlie’s Café, a little gem right off the trail in the town of Freeport. No matter what you order, don’t forget to get a bag of their famous caramel rolls to go.

Biking Root River bike trail Lanesboro

Root River bike trail, Lanesboro

Explore South and North with Wild Spaces and Historic Dining

While Edmondson’s area of expertise is in Northeastern Minnesota and the Twin Cities, there are incredible trails throughout the state. With the scenic valley of Lanesboro at its heart, the 60-mile paved Root River State Trail winds through southern Minnesota, connecting communities all along the river.

Bikers in particular relish following this trail — built on an old railroad right-of-way — along its namesake river through the Minnesota towns of Fountain, Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford and Houston. Along the way, enjoy outstanding views of tall limestone bluffs and steep hills thickly wooded in maples and birch that rise above the water. Keep an eye out for turkeys, deer and birds of prey.

Right off the trail in the town of Lanesboro, you’ll find the historic restaurant, The Old Village Hall. Originally built in 1886, this stone building was once a fire station, jail and village hall. Relax on the deck overlooking the river and dig into a juicy burger or fresh, seasonal salad made from local produce that was hand-selected at the St. Charles Farmers Market nearby.

Mississippi headwaters, Itasca State Park

The Mississippi headwaters at Itasca State Park / Kvidt Creative

Upstate, head to Itasca State Park, Minnesota’s oldest state park (established in 1891), where you’ll discover the birthplace of the Mississippi River before it stretches out some 2,552 miles across America. Here, at the 32,000-acre park, you’ll hike the Ozawindib Trail and the Aiton Heights Fire Tower Trail, which boasts a view over Lake Itasca seen from a 100-foot-tall vista. Keep your eyes and ears on alert for loons, especially at sunset, when they’re most active. 

Finish off the morning with a stop at the rustic century-old Douglas Lodge (open end of May to early October) for a hearty meal and taste of lake life. Or better yet, book a room for the night to immerse yourself deeper in this gorgeous landscape and revel in nature more.

Man and dog at Superior Hiking Trail overlook

Sunset on the Superior Hiking Trail / Alyssa Hei

Know Before You Go

  • A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks and many regional parks. Save time by ordering one online before you arrive at the park.
  • For comfort and safety on the trail, be sure everyone has appropriate footwear (tennis shoes, not flip-flops).
  • Bring a water bottle for each hiker as well as plenty of sunscreen, bug spray and snacks.
  • Pick up a paper map at the park office or load a GeoPDF map before you leave (don’t rely on your phone to navigate because cell and Internet service may not be available in the woods).
  • The accessible trails at Minnesota state parks are stroller friendly as well as wheelchair friendly.
  • Some Minnesota state parks have all-terrain electric wheelchairs for use on unpaved trails.
  • If your dog will be hiking with you, keep it on a leash and clean up after it.
  • Don't pick wildflowers or otherwise disturb the landscape. "Take only photos, leave only footprints."
AFAR

AFAR is the world’s leading travel media brand that inspires and guides travelers to have deeper, richer, and more meaningful experiences. We don’t shy away from presenting places as they really are and we celebrate global diversity in all forms. Read more on afar.com.