Hiking Sunfish Lake Park, Lake Elmo
Lake Elmo, Washington County • No vehicle permit needed Sunfish Lake Park is a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil and natural hiking experience. It’s an oasis nestled in …
Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Finder
Want to know where the fall colors are peaking around the Twin Cities and even statewide? The best online resource we know of to keep tabs on the fall colors …
Hiking in Banning State Park
Sandstone/Pine County • State park daily or annual pass needed Banning State Park is just under 100 miles from either downtown Minneapolis or downtown Saint Paul. This 6,200-acre park is …
Outdoors Clubs & Groups in the Twin Cities
Are you the kind of person who would get outside more if you could meet up with others? If you are, there are many local options for you, no matter …
It’s OK to Start Small with Outdoor Activity
Not only is it OK to start small with outdoor rec activities, that’s the best way for most people to begin. Outdoor activity begins locally and can be as simple …
Gear Review: Women’s Hiking Shorts
Here in Minnesota we’re known for our cold winters, but we also have hot summers. Shorts season can run from April into October, depending on your personal thermostat and the …
Paddle Board at Snail Lake Regional Park
Shoreview/Ramsey County • No vehicle permit needed • No rentals available On the first day of summer, my friend and I met at Snail Lake Regional Park to paddle board …
Kayak & Paddle Board at Coon Lake County Park
Columbus/Anoka County • No vehicle permit needed • No rentals available Coon Lake County Park’s main features are its lovely swimming beach—with picnic areas, sand volleyball and playground—and its boat …
8 Best Bike Trails in the Twin Cities: Readers’ Picks
We surveyed our Twin Cities Outdoors’ newsletter and Facebook readers to get their top picks for the best bike trails in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro area. We’re blessed to have …
Gear Review: Aqua Bound’s “Sting Ray Hybrid” Kayak Paddle
I’ve been using Aqua Bound’s Sting Ray Hybrid kayak paddle since 2019, and can tell you—I know why it’s their best-selling kayak paddle. Before I go any further, you should …