It’s summer in Minnesota, which means I’m constantly swooning over the weather and all the outdoor activities I can take advantage of while the snow is gone! Below are some of my favorite things to do and places to be in this awesome state – I picked my “winners” for some of my favorite things to do.
Hiking
Winner: Tettegouche State Park
The 3-mile trail from the Tettegouche visitor center to High Falls is by far my favorite hike. I’ve done it in the dead of January and the heart of the hot summer, and each time I was blown away by both the hike and the view at the end! This trail is diverse and well-maintained, and so are many other spots in this popular state park. Check out Shovel Point and the rest of the park for more beautiful hikes and views!
Camping
Winner: Lax Lake
I think I might be a little biased toward the North Shore, but right next to Tettegouche is the best campground we’ve ever been to, a small family resort on the water. Lax Lake Resort gave us a campsite right on the lakeshore, access to a canoe and games, a lake full of biting fish, and a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere. We will be back!
Dog-friendly Adventures
Winner: Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park
I know it sounds silly to name a dog park as my favorite “dog friendly adventure,” but Minnehaha is amazing. It’s a 6-acre fenced area where you and your pup can walk through the woods to a dog beach right on the Mississippi. It feels like a nature walk for you and an adventure for your dog all in one.
Day Trip from the Cities
Winner: Taylor’s Falls/Interstate State Park
Just an hour or so from the city, Taylor’s Falls is right on the river and perched on the beautiful cliffs of Interstate State Park, which makes for beautiful hiking and scenic views. In the town of Taylor’s Falls, we loved walking the quaint main street and getting lunch at a classic drive-in (all the burgers, fries and malts). This day trip is one I’ll be repeating many times this summer and fall!
If you have any recommendations of new places for me to check out, I’m always ready to explore more beautiful places in Minnesota!
Rachel Enerson 