This is my list for the top hiking spots in Minnesota based on my personal adventures. I've hiked all over Minnesota and these are based soley on my experience.
Map
This is a great place for family friendly hiking. This is a hot spot for family photos as well.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park | Dakota County
If you're looking for a waterfall hike. This is the one.
Minnehaha Regional Park - Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
If you want to hike and see the great biodiversity of marsh plants, birds, and other wild creatures. Great for those little explorers.
Tamarack Nature Preserve | Woodbury, MN
This one is on the Mississippi River. If you're lucky, you may see a tiny waterfall.
Shadow Falls Park
Another family friendly hiking trail. The park there was reconstructed just 2 years ago, so it's mighty new!
Thompson County Park | Dakota County
This is probably one of the best hiking trails in the twin cities.
Afton State Park
Lots of hiking trail options here. There is also a man made pool here.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Great short walk to find beautiful nature scenery hidden right in the city.
Nature Center Preserve | Maplewood, MN
This one is a bit south, but we come here every year to see the beautiful Waterfall.
Minneopa State Park
If you want waterfall and epic Instagram photos. Go here!
Tettegouche State Park
A very popular hike in the fall for the foliage.
Superior National Forest - Oberg Mountain Trail
Hike ¾ of a mile and you'll hit a 34 foot waterfall.
State waysides in Minnesota
Great hiking trails here, never ending. Don't forget to camp here as well.
Temperance River State Park
You could do a short hike to the main waterfall or longer hikes to see more waterfalls. Leave the strollers at home.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
One of the harder hikes in Minnesota. Lots of high elevation stairs!
Tettegouche State Park
If you are interested in thru-hiking. This is the best option in Minnesota. Good luck!
Superior Hiking Trail | MN's Premier Hiking and Running Trail
