Savanna Portage State Park

About 2 hours from the Twin Cities, this lovely park in McGregor, MN offers miles of hiking trails, including a historic trail used for hundreds of years by the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples, as well as explorers and fur traders. There is also an overlook at the Continental Divide, where waters to the west flow to the Mississippi River and waters to the east flow to Lake Superior. Follow the link below for information.


Savanna Portage State Park

Hidden Falls Park, Saint Paul

Yet another great spot to hike in St. Paul is Hidden Falls Park in Highland. You'll walk along the river's shoreline and get sand in your shoes! See this link for directions to those hidden falls: Examiner.com, Hidden Falls, St. Paul

Willow River State Park, near Hudson, Wisconsin

Under an hour's drive from Minneapolis and Saint Paul is this lovely park in our neighboring state of Wisconsin. Excellent day trip!
The falls hike is about four miles round trip, not overly strenuous. Beautiful falls area where you can get in the water and even go behind the falls. Family friendly, but of course keep a careful eye on children in or near water. Rocks can be slippery.
Optional stair climb to an overlook.

Battle Creek Park, Ramsey County

One more great TC park for hiking is Battle Creek. Follow the sparkling creek as it bubbles its way along a rocky bed. Much of the trail is unshaded so bring a hat and sunglasses.Battle Creek Park, St. Paul

Copper Fall State Park, near Ashland, Wisconsin

If you are heading to the Lake Superior South Shore area in Wisconsin, you may want to make a stop at Copper Falls State Park, about and hour from Ashland. The most popular attraction there is the 1.7 mile falls trail. Lots of stairs, although they do offer a wheel chair accessible path also. The scenic views of the Bad River are lovely.
Copper Falls State Park

Pike Island, Fort Snelling

Another local scenic hike is Pike Island at Fort Snelling. It offers a walk in the woods along the Mississippi River. It was selected as a Best Urban Hike by City Pages; see link.Best Urban Hike, 2011, City Pages

Katherine Abbott Park, Mahtomedi, MN

We discovered a park today that offers some off road hiking on 76 wooded acres with lake and marshland in Mahtomedi on Lincolntown Rd. Katherine Abbott Park is a gem within easy reach of those in the North East Metro.Katherine Abbott Park