Image via Flickr by Mr.OutdoorGuy
Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota is the perfect state for outdoor lovers. With tons of lakes, rivers, and hiking trails, Minnesota has a lot to offer anyone who isn’t afraid to get outside in the cold. Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota’s major metropolitan area, is the state’s center of arts, culture, and outdoor adventures.
Where to Stay
Image via Flickr by Photomatt28
Minneapolis-Saint Paul is a massive metro area made up of two large cities with multiple different neighborhoods, each with its own unique personality. Linden Hills, nestled between Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet, is a charming neighborhood of picturesque cottage-style homes and shops. With miles of paved pathways, trendy restaurants, and two peaceful lakes, Linden Hills is the perfect place to find hotels in Minneapolis.
What to Do
Minneapolis has a lot to offer visitors. From craft breweries to art galleries to miles of bike paths, it’s easy to jam-pack your vacation itinerary with awesome adventures.
Hiking
Twin Cities residents and visitors don’t have to go far to find good hiking trails near the city. Lebanon Hills Regional Park is home to over 20 miles of hiking trails that go over boardwalks and through the woods where you can see native wildlife. Fort Snelling State Park, nestled in the Mississippi River Valley, has 18 miles of trails that wind along the riverbanks of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers.
Biking
In 2014, Bicycling Magazine named Minneapolis as the third-best biking city. With over 129 miles of on-street and 97 miles off-street bikeways, Minneapolis rivals some of Europe’s biggest bike cities. Nice Ride MN is a citywide bike rental service available 24/7. If you don’t have your own bike, it’s an excellent way to rent two wheels and hit the bike paths.
Kayaking
With three major riverways surrounding the Twin Cities, kayakers and boaters will have plenty of places to paddle and splash around. Paddling down one of the rivers is a great way to get a different view of the city. A tour with Above the Falls Sports is an excellent way to explore a bit of the river and get the best views of the city’s skyline at night.
Fishing
The 13 lakes within the city limits that are perfect for watersports and fishing. Lake Nokomis is a popular favorite amongst the local anglers, who you’ll commonly see shoreline fishing along the banks. You’ll find plenty of walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. Other great lakes for fishing include Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun.
What to Eat
The Twin Cities have heaps of restaurant options to satisfy your taste buds. The Snuffy Burger from Snuffy’s Malt Shop is a classic and affordable choice, while the Patticake from Yum! Kitchen and Bakery is to die for. Of course, you can always just grill up the fish you just caught earlier that day.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul is an outdoor lover’s dream. With all the amenities of a big city, but within biking, hiking, and boating distance to Mother Nature, the Twin Cities are worth a visit even in the dead of winter.
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Comments
I guess it’s time for me to actually leave the airport and not just end up in Minneapolis on layovers!
A colorful city, great places. I would like to come here one time.