Nothing really compares to summertime in Minnesota. You have the 10,000+ lakes, the incredible sunsets, and of course the weather. Why wouldn't you be spending your days outdoors after being locked up inside all winter long? Get on out there and experience the perfect Minnesota summer! Here are 15 "hidden wonders" where you can spend some time outdoors during this beautiful Minnesota summer:
1. The Elf Tree-
A cute little elf lives behind a tiny wooden door in a tall Ash tree along the path of Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can write him a note, and he'll write back!
2. Nokomis Naturescape Gardens-
These gardens are beautiful and are wonderful places to walk around and relax with friends!
Check out their website for fees, hours, and directions!
3. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum-
The University of Minnesota's Arboretum is located in Chaska, MN. "It has more than 1,100 acres of magnificent gardens, natural areas, plant collections and children's classes/camps. Hiking trails, paved paths, on-leash dog trails, cross-country ski and snowshoe trails and a three-mile drive. "
Check out their website for fees, hours, and directions!
Also, don't forget to check Groupon!
4. Summit Lookout Park-
Summit Park is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota just outside of the Cathedral. It has some pretty incredible views. It contains one of the city's most noticeable and notable monuments, Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The park is also a centerpiece for a network of green spaces in Cathedral Hill that include lawns cared for by Saint Paul College and the Minnesota History Building as well as Cathedral Hill Park.
Check out their website for hours, and directions!
5. Water Power Park-
Check out their website for hours, and directions!
6. Lyndale Park-
Lyndale Park is located in Minneapolis, MN. It has multiple themed gardens. Some are the Annual-Perennial Garden, the Butterfly, and Hummingbird & Perennial and Border Gardens, a Peace Garden, and a Rose Garden. "All of their gardens offer inviting and beautiful spaces to explore, relax, and learn about the environment."
Check out their website for fees, parking, hours, and directions!
7. Mill Ruins Park-
Located in Minneapolis, MN this park "combines an exploration of the history of Minneapolis with present day activities for all ages. " It has multiple biking and walking paths as well as beautiful views of the city. It is near the Stone Arch Bridge, The Gutherie Theatre, and St. Anthony Falls. Also," with the reopening of the historic tailrace canal, which carried water from the mill turbines back to the river, visitors have the opportunity to interact directly with an exciting water feature!"
Check out their website for hours, and directions!
8. Linnaeus Arboretum-
Located in St. Peter, Minnesota. Gustavus Adolphus College's Arboretum is open daylight hours year-round and is free to visit. "It represents Minnesota's three major vegetation communities: the conifer forest in the north, the prairie in the south and west, and the deciduous forest in between. These natural communities are represented in the western portion of the Arboretum. The area surrounding the Melva Lind Interpretive Center includes formal gardens and trees from around the globe that are hardy in Minnesota." Head to the Arboretum and walk the trails, take some pics, have a picnic, or read a book!
9. 24th Street Pedestrian Bridge-
This pedestrian bridge is located in Minneapolis, MN and has an amazing view of the Minneapolis skyline.
10. Foshay Tower Museum & Observation Deck-
"The Foshay Tower was the first skyscraper built in the state of Minnesota and remained the tallest building in Minneapolis from 1929-1971." Currently, you can visit the museum as well as look out on the observation deck at the city of Minneapolis.
Check out their website for hours, and directions!
11. Grand Portage State Park-
Grand Portage State Park is located in Cook County, Minnesota. It has 6 miles of hiking trails and two beautiful waterfalls for your viewing enjoyment.
Check out their website for hours, fees, and directions!
12. Grand Rounds Scenic Byway-
"Around 50 miles of parkways. This byway includes natural features, including lakes, creeks, woodlands, riverbanks, and wetlands, as well as constructed features, like canals, lagoons, greenways and parks, playgrounds, parkways, trails, golf courses, athletic fields, picnic grounds, gardens, and bridges."
13. Mystery Cave-
"Mystery Cave is located in Forestville, MN and is a guided tour of Minnesota's longest known cave, with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and beautiful underground pools, and a maze of interconnecting passages."
Check out their website for hours, fees, and directions!
14. Hidden Falls Regional Park-
Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. "The park has about 6.7 miles of paved trails, a beautiful setting for an afternoon's walk, run, or ride. Trails that run along shady, wooded bottomlands next to the Mississippi River, past scenic picnic areas, and connect to the Mississippi River Boulevard Parkway."
Check out their website for hours, fees, and directions!
15. Sugarloaf Cove-
Sugarloaf Cove is located in Minnesota on Highway 61, 73 miles northeast of Duluth and 4 miles southwest of Schroeder. It is the natural place to escape the crowds and relax. The Cove is renowned for its 1.1 billion-year-old lava flows and its beautiful cobblestone beach. The Center offers a breadth of nature-oriented activities and learning opportunities for families and individuals."
Check out their website for hours, fees, and directions!
