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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

November 10, 2023November 10, 2023
"Twin Cities Outdoors presents 2023 Holiday Gift Guide" with images of scattered Christmas decor and gifts along the bottom

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 …

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Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

Advantages of Hiking on Dirt vs Paved Trails

December 20, 2023September 8, 2023
woman's legs and feet on a dirt trail in the woods

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 …

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Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

Backpacking and Camping with Babies and Toddlers

September 5, 2023
baby sits on the ground next to his mom

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 …

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Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

Hiking Footwear: Boots, Shoes, Sandals?

August 24, 2023August 12, 2023
four different types of shoes for hiking

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 …

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Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

6 Key Ways Outdoor Recreation Boosts Mental Health

December 20, 2023April 26, 2023
biker stops by a lake

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 …

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Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

Where are the Twin Cities’ Giant Trees?

December 20, 2023April 19, 2023
skier hugs a giant cottonwood tree

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 …

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Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

Bike Our Twin Cities’ Rail-Trails

December 20, 2023April 12, 2023
woman bikes on a paved trail with a city skyline in the background

“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. …

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Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

Snowshoe Your Way into Spring at Afton State Park

December 20, 2023February 27, 2023

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 …

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Categories Outdoor Lifestyle, Washington County Outdoor Rec

Best Hikes in the Twin Cities for a Great Workout

September 29, 2023January 18, 2023
hilltop of a grassy hiking trail looking over the forest

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 …

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Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

Which Ski Pass Do You Need Where?

December 20, 2023January 3, 2023
skier on a groomed trail in the woods

The cross country ski pass you need to ski in the Twin Cities depends on the county where you want to ski, and sometimes the park itself. There have been …

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Categories Outdoor Lifestyle
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