Hiking in Willow River State Park, Wisconsin
Hudson, Wisconsin • Out-of-state vehicle fee $13 daily or $38 annual (note: this park costs more than most of Wisconsin’s state parks!) There’s beautiful hiking in Willow River State Park, …
hike
Gear Review: “Polar Mitts” Mittens
We just came through a major cold snap here in Minnesota (actually, in most of the country). It’s finally back above zero, but I think we had 10 days straight …
Hiking the Snowshoe Trails at Afton State Park
One of the things I’ve discovered since I started to snowshoe two winters ago is this: the best hiking trails make the best snowshoe trails! This is definitely true at …
St. Croix Crossing Loop Trail: Hike It or Bike It
Stillwater/Washington County • Free parking either in Stillwater or Wisconsin The St. Croix Crossing Loop Trail—newly completed this spring for foot and bike traffic only—is a wonderful partnership between Minnesota …
Top 10 Reasons the Outdoors Beats the Gym
The Outdoors outperforms a gym in so many ways. And I’ll freely admit, I’m biased. I strongly dislike exercising inside. I always have. And I’m not against gyms. I know …
Hiking at Schaar’s Bluff
Hastings/Dakota County • No vehicle permit needed The Schaar’s Bluff trail system in Spring Lake Park Reserve offers lovely wooded hiking with beautiful overlooks of the Mississippi River. What’s to …
Hiking in Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Lake Elmo/Washington County • Vehicle permit needed Lake Elmo Park Reserve has more than 2,000 acres of lakes, ponds, wetlands, rolling hills, forests and prairies. There are 20 miles of …
Hiking in Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
Rockford/Hennepin County • No vehicle fee Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, on the western edge of Hennepin County, has a huge trail system for hikers, both paved and natural surface. This …
Hiking in Crow-Hassan Park Reserve
Hanover/Hennepin County • No fee Crow-Hassan Park Reserve, on the western edge of Hennepin County, offers 19 miles of natural-surface hiking during spring, summer and fall. 10 miles stay open …
Cold Weather Gear that’ll Get You Outside More this Winter
There’s no need to hibernate during our wonderful Minnesota winters! There’s so much great cold weather gear out there that’ll keep you warm, even in our next Polar Vortex! When …