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Outdoor Adventures

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Cass Lake in the Chippewa National Forest  / Paul Vincent
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Cass Lake in the Chippewa National Forest  / Paul Vincent

Discover Minnesota's Great Outdoors

Minnesota was made for outdoor adventures, and you can have yours fast or slow. With more than 10,000 lakes, immense forests and rugged bluffs, Minnesota is an exciting outpost for outdoor lovers of all kinds. Go sea kayaking on the largest of the Great Lakes, hike rugged trails to breathtaking overlooks, bike on scenic paved trails, climb a frozen waterfall or buzz over 900 miles of ATV trails. In winter, make tracks on more than 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails, strap on some skis or mush your own dogsled for the adventure of a lifetime.

Adventure on the Water

Home to the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi, the sparkling shores of Lake Superior and well over 10,000 lakes (11,842 to be exact), Minnesota beckons boaters, anglers, paddlers and other water lovers. From exploring the Boundary Waters by canoe to stand-up paddleboarding in the Twin Cities, this is a place where water adventures flow.

Explore Lakes & Rivers
Fishing boat in the mist, Ely

A misty Ely morning on the water  / Joe Baumann

Large northern pike caught while ice fishing on Lake of the Woods

Mark Arnesen shows off a big northern pike he caught while ice fishing on Lake of the Woods / Mark Arnesen

Woman in red shirt canoeing in the Boundary Waters, surrounded by dense forests and clear blue skies

Accessible primarily by canoe, the Boundary Waters is one of America's most remote and cherished wilderness areas / Paul Vincent

Adventure on Land

Thousands of square miles of enchanting wilderness cover Minnesota, and much of it is protected federal or state land. Hike to an awe-inspiring waterfall, zoom across snowmobile or bike trails, go wildlife spotting in one of the state’s wildlife refuges or go camping under the stars. Countless adventures in nature await.

Explore Parks & Forests
Silhouette of a man looking at the Milky Way

Stargazing at the Boundary Waters  / Paul Vincent

Snowshoeing Whitetail Woods Farmington

Snowshoeing Whitetail Woods, Farmington / Paul Vincent

Biking over a bridge on the Root River Trail

Pedal through Minnesota's Bluff Country on the scenic Root River State Trail

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A couple watches the northern lights at Gooseberry Falls State Park

A couple watches the northern lights at Gooseberry Falls State Park / Travis Novitsky

The Northern Lights

Experience the surreal phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis in Minnesota. Discover the best places to see the Northern Lights, learn how to photograph them, plan your trip and learn the science behind the celestial occurrence.

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Ironton Cuyuna couple biking

Two mountain bikers take in the scenic Cuyuna landscape / Micah Kvidt

Biking

Cyclists will feel at home here at every turn. Getting around the Twin Cities by bicycle is safe and fun, while wilderness areas throughout the state offer miles of trails suited to mountain bikers of every experience level.

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Woman hiking Honeymoon Bluff in Grand Marais

Hiking Honeymoon Bluff in Grand Marais / Micah Kvidt

Hiking

Well-maintained hiking trails surrounded by vibrant, pristine nature abound, whether you’re looking for a short, relaxing walk in the woods or a multi-day hike into the deep wilderness of Minnesota's north country.

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Father and son fishing on Gull Lake

Father and son fishing on Gull Lake

Fishing

With more than 10,000 lakes, Minnesota is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts in every season, from fly fishing in summer to ice fishing in winter. Discover the many ways to do a fishing trip in Minnesota.

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Boundary waters camp kitchen over a fire pit

Campsites in the Boundary Waters include a fire pit grill for all your camp kitchen dreams / Gary Hamer

Paddling

A vast expanse of pristine lakes and woodlands that runs along the U.S.-Canada border, the remote, biologically diverse Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the ultimate spot for a peaceful-yet-wild adventure.

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