Minnesota Fall Color Finder: How to Use the DNR Fall Color Map
Want to know where the fall colors are peaking around the Twin Cities and Minnesota? The Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder is the best tool we know of for tracking …
Outdoor Lifestyle
Outdoor recreation topics relating to health, wholeness, nature, lifestyle and family. Many are specific to the Twin Cities metro area, others are not.
2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Outdoor Lovers
These Minneapolis/Saint Paul (and vicinity) independent outdoor businesses have something for every outdoor lover on your gift list! While we appreciate all the Twin Cities’ outdoor businesses that support human-powered …
Advantages of Hiking on Dirt vs Paved Trails
What’s the difference between hiking on dirt versus paved trails? (Other than that dirt feels more like hiking!) Let’s look at some of the advantages of dirt. Here in the …
Backpacking and Camping with Babies and Toddlers
For parents adjusting to life with babies and toddlers, it can feel intimidating to spend time outdoors as you did before. Don’t be discouraged! You don’t have to give up …
Hiking Footwear: Boots, Shoes, Sandals?
What’s the best kind of shoe to wear hiking? It comes down to fit, performance, durability and preference. Our job here is to give some guidelines on footwear for hiking …
6 Key Ways Outdoor Recreation Boosts Mental Health
We talk about the health benefits of outdoor recreation all the time here on Twin Cities Outdoors. Clinical Counselor Karin Lyon helps us understand why our activities outside in nature …
Where are the Twin Cities’ Giant Trees?
Sure, our giant trees aren’t anything like those in California…but they’re giant to us! And it’s super cool to bike, hike, ski or paddle by them. Ever since I started …
Bike Our Twin Cities’ Rail-Trails
“Rail-trails” are multi-use trails built on former railroad beds. Here in the Twin Cities, we have an entire network of rail-trails that are popular for biking, hiking and other activities. …
Snowshoe Your Way into Spring at Afton State Park
Late snow, early snow, almost any kind of snow—snowshoeing is a guaranteed wonderful experience. It is one of the safest, cheapest, easiest and most enjoyable activities to embrace Minnesota’s cold …
Best Hikes in the Twin Cities for a Great Workout
Here’s our pick of the top 10 hikes in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro area for a great workout. Whether you simply enjoy a challenge or you’re training for a race …