From lakes to forests, rivers to prairies, there is something for everyone when it comes to enjoying Minnesota’s natural landscape. There are also many trails crisscrossing the state that offer the best views of these scenic areas. There are dozens of trails to choose from, but one of our favorites is an abandoned rail trail that takes visitors on a gentle hike through a beautiful part of the states. Take a look; here’s one of the best hikes in Minnesota:
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail is a 26.5-mile trail just west of the Twin Cities metro area. It spans from Wayzata to Mayer.
Michael Davidson/AllTrails
The trail is in the place of the old Great Northern Railway, charted in 1885. When the line was later abandoned, Hennepin County turned it into a recreational trail. It was officially completed in 2009.
Michael Davidson/AllTrails
Today, there are several ways to access the trail. Trailheads are located in Wayzata, Mound, Gale Woods Farm, St. Bonifacius, and Mayer.
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Along the way, the tree-lined route offers lovely views of the landscape. In the fall, vivid leaves will guide your way.
Michael Davidson/AllTrails
Travelers will also enjoy the view of several different lakes along the trail. Some provide great spots for fishing and swimming.
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A series of bridges keep trail travelers safe from traffic.
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They also provide excellent views of the water. What better way to stop and rest than with a lake right in front of you?
Michael Davidson/AllTrails
A number of benches along the way make it easy to take a break.
Tom Champion/TrailLink
All in all, the Dakota Rail Regional Trail is a fun way to see the landscape trains traveled through over 100 years ago. What better way to explore beautiful Minnesota?
Michael Davidson/AllTrails
For more information on exploring this abandoned railroad trail, check out the Dakota Rail Regional Trail page on the Three Rivers Parks website. Which trails do you think make up the best hikes in Minnesota? Tell us about them in the comments! Need more amazing Minnesota hikes in your life? Try this one out for not one but two epic waterfalls.
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Address: Dakota Rail Railroad, Dakota Rail Trail, Minnesota, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Minnesota March 23, 2022 Tori Jane Where are some of the most awe-inspiring scenic hikes in Minnesota? Maybe an easier question to answer would be something like what hikes in Minnesota aren’t awe-inspiring, because truly, Minnesota is an amazing place with hikes that will blow your mind. It’s hard to pick just a few, but a couple of our favorites include the amazing Eagle Mountain Trail, which features breathtaking views from a mountain summit at the vista. The Superior Hiking Trail at Tettegouche State Park is another must-do; the views are amazing and incredibly beautiful, like something out of a postcard or a nature documentary. Head to Banning State Park and do the Quarry Nature Trail, which offers some amazing views of the Kettle River, as well as a blissful waterfall. Another state park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, offers up one of the best hikes on the east coast. To keep it simple: you really can’t go wrong with a hike in a Minnesota state park. What are the most popular scenic hikes in Minnesota? Of the more than 1,200 hiking trails in Minnesota, many of them are absolutely breathtaking. Most, we would say! Some of the most popular hiking trails in Minnesota include ridiculously scenic treks like the Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop, at Gooseberry Falls State Park. It’s easy, and at just three miles long, it’s perfect for a quiet day enjoying nature in all its glory. The Pike Island Loop at Fort Snelling State Park is another incredible gem; it’s also pretty easy and just under four miles in length. It becomes a dedicated cross-country skiing loop during the winter months. No matter which hike you choose in the beautiful state of Minnesota, you’re in for a real treat. We are totally lucky to call such a scenic place home. For more ideas, check out some of these Minnesota hikes with epic views.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Minnesota
March 23, 2022
Tori Jane
Where are some of the most awe-inspiring scenic hikes in Minnesota? Maybe an easier question to answer would be something like what hikes in Minnesota aren’t awe-inspiring, because truly, Minnesota is an amazing place with hikes that will blow your mind. It’s hard to pick just a few, but a couple of our favorites include the amazing Eagle Mountain Trail, which features breathtaking views from a mountain summit at the vista. The Superior Hiking Trail at Tettegouche State Park is another must-do; the views are amazing and incredibly beautiful, like something out of a postcard or a nature documentary. Head to Banning State Park and do the Quarry Nature Trail, which offers some amazing views of the Kettle River, as well as a blissful waterfall. Another state park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, offers up one of the best hikes on the east coast. To keep it simple: you really can’t go wrong with a hike in a Minnesota state park. What are the most popular scenic hikes in Minnesota? Of the more than 1,200 hiking trails in Minnesota, many of them are absolutely breathtaking. Most, we would say! Some of the most popular hiking trails in Minnesota include ridiculously scenic treks like the Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop, at Gooseberry Falls State Park. It’s easy, and at just three miles long, it’s perfect for a quiet day enjoying nature in all its glory. The Pike Island Loop at Fort Snelling State Park is another incredible gem; it’s also pretty easy and just under four miles in length. It becomes a dedicated cross-country skiing loop during the winter months. No matter which hike you choose in the beautiful state of Minnesota, you’re in for a real treat. We are totally lucky to call such a scenic place home. For more ideas, check out some of these Minnesota hikes with epic views.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Maybe an easier question to answer would be something like what hikes in Minnesota aren’t awe-inspiring, because truly, Minnesota is an amazing place with hikes that will blow your mind. It’s hard to pick just a few, but a couple of our favorites include the amazing Eagle Mountain Trail, which features breathtaking views from a mountain summit at the vista. The Superior Hiking Trail at Tettegouche State Park is another must-do; the views are amazing and incredibly beautiful, like something out of a postcard or a nature documentary. Head to Banning State Park and do the Quarry Nature Trail, which offers some amazing views of the Kettle River, as well as a blissful waterfall. Another state park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, offers up one of the best hikes on the east coast. To keep it simple: you really can’t go wrong with a hike in a Minnesota state park.
What are the most popular scenic hikes in Minnesota?
Of the more than 1,200 hiking trails in Minnesota, many of them are absolutely breathtaking. Most, we would say! Some of the most popular hiking trails in Minnesota include ridiculously scenic treks like the Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop, at Gooseberry Falls State Park. It’s easy, and at just three miles long, it’s perfect for a quiet day enjoying nature in all its glory. The Pike Island Loop at Fort Snelling State Park is another incredible gem; it’s also pretty easy and just under four miles in length. It becomes a dedicated cross-country skiing loop during the winter months. No matter which hike you choose in the beautiful state of Minnesota, you’re in for a real treat. We are totally lucky to call such a scenic place home. For more ideas, check out some of these Minnesota hikes with epic views.
