Now that the sun has finally come out, it’s time to start planning some activities to enjoy while it’s warm. Sure, there’s plenty of camping and boating to be had, but what about something that requires a little less planning? Each of these 13 outdoor activities is completely free. The only thing you have to do is show up!
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden - Minneapolis
Doug Kerr/Flickr At long last, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center will reopen in June 2017. The renovation will bring many exciting changes to the beloved garden, but they won’t change the fact that it will always be an ideal place to spend a warm day. Address: 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis.
- Duluth Rose Garden - Duluth
jpellgen/Flickr Duluth has plenty of great outdoor activities, too. Besides strolling through Canal Park as you wait for ships to come in, a great option is the Duluth Rose Garden. A Duluth landmark for over 50 years, it’s a beautiful place to stroll. The best part? You’ll have a spectacular view of Lake Superior between the roses. Address: 13th Avenue East & London Road, Duluth.
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory - St. Paul
Drew Geraets/Flickr St. Paul’s Como Zoo may be the most perfect Minnesota attraction. In the winter, the greenhouses are a warm place to escape the elements. And in warmer months, the beautiful park is a fantastic place to stroll. While donations are appreciated, the park is completely free to enter. Address: 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul.
- Minnehaha Park - Minneapolis
Doug Kerr/Flickr With plenty of greenery, walking trails, and of course the gorgeous Minnehaha Falls, Minnehaha Regional Park is an ideal outdoor activity. Whether you choose to stay up top or climb the stairs to the very bottom, you’ll get a great view. And if you’re too hot from all that walking, you’re in luck: on a windy day, count on the mists of Minnehaha Falls to cool you. Address: 4801 South Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis.
- Franconia Sculpture Park - Shafer
Doug Kerr/Flickr This Minnesota sculpture park is a bit more quirky than the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. But that’s what makes it so fun. Dozens of whimsical works populate an otherwise empty field in Shafer, Minnesota. Visitors are free to photograph, climb, and otherwise interact with the sculptures however they see fit. One of the most beloved pieces is the wacky, colorful playground, complete with a swing! Address: 29836 St. Croix Trail, Shafer.
- Alexander Ramsey Park - Redwood Falls
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr Alexander Ramsey Park is the largest municipal park in Minnesota. It comes complete with a beautiful waterfall that you can view from below or above. Other features of the park include picnic areas, trails, and even a zoo. Address: 99 East Oak Street, Redwood Falls.
- Park Point Beach - Duluth
jpellgen/Flickr On a sunny day, Park Point is probably the best place in all of Duluth. A walk up a tall, sandy hill leads to a breathtaking view of Lake Superior. You’ll also be able to rows of houses stacked up on the hill in Duluth. After taking in the view, time to swim! Lake Superior is notoriously cold, but it may be warm enough to dip a toe or two in.
- Garvin Heights Park - Winona
Adam Dooley/Flickr This park isn’t very well known in Greater Minnesota, but it offers an unbeatable view of one of Minnesota’s prettiest cities. Follow a half-mile road up the bluff, then get out to walk the rest of the way on foot. When you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be greeted by a million-dollar view of Winona - for free. Address: Garvin Heights Road, Winona.
- Hawk Ridge - Duluth
Randen Pederson/Flickr Here’s another hilltop destination with a stunning view. Hawk Ridge rises high over Duluth, offering visitors a chance to see over the tops of trees to Lake Superior far below. The area is actually a popular bird-watching location, so bring your binoculars. You’re bound to spot hawks, eagles, and more. Address: 3980 East Skyline Parkway, Duluth.
- Munsinger Clemens Gardens - St. Cloud
ssedro/Flickr The Munsinger Clemens Gardens offer a peaceful oasis in an otherwise busy city. A stroll along the paths lined with flowers, shrubs, and trees is a perfect chance to unwind. Visit during a music event for an added dose of beauty. Address: 1515 Riverside Drive Southeast, St. Cloud.
- Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge - Rochert
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook Way up in northwestern Minnesota, forest and prairie join in this stunning wildlife refuge. It hosts hundreds of species of plants and animals over more than 40,000 acres of land. Visitors are free to travel alongside marshes and through forests offer up-close glimpses of migratory birds. Address: 36716 County Road 26, Rochert.
- Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden - Minneapolis
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary/Facebook This garden is actually located in Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Minneapolis. It’s a colorful display of Minnesota’s native wildflowers, including bluebells, lady’s-slippers, sunflowers, and more. Birds and butterflies also make homes in the park. Address: 1 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis.
- Chain of Lakes Regional Park - Minneapolis
Christopher Cadlum/Flickr Chain of Lakes may be the most popular park in all of Minneapolis. Miles of walking and biking trails connect six lakes, each with its own personality. Whether you’re looking for a busy lake full of people watching or a more quiet experience, you’ll find it in the Chain of Lakes. Address: Shorelines of Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun, and Lake Harriet, Minneapolis.
Do you have any favorite free outdoor activities to add to the list? Feel free to share! And if you’re willing to spend a few bucks, here are 10 things to do in Minnesota that cost $10 or less.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
At long last, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center will reopen in June 2017. The renovation will bring many exciting changes to the beloved garden, but they won’t change the fact that it will always be an ideal place to spend a warm day. Address: 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis.
jpellgen/Flickr
Duluth has plenty of great outdoor activities, too. Besides strolling through Canal Park as you wait for ships to come in, a great option is the Duluth Rose Garden. A Duluth landmark for over 50 years, it’s a beautiful place to stroll. The best part? You’ll have a spectacular view of Lake Superior between the roses. Address: 13th Avenue East & London Road, Duluth.
Drew Geraets/Flickr
St. Paul’s Como Zoo may be the most perfect Minnesota attraction. In the winter, the greenhouses are a warm place to escape the elements. And in warmer months, the beautiful park is a fantastic place to stroll. While donations are appreciated, the park is completely free to enter. Address: 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul.
With plenty of greenery, walking trails, and of course the gorgeous Minnehaha Falls, Minnehaha Regional Park is an ideal outdoor activity. Whether you choose to stay up top or climb the stairs to the very bottom, you’ll get a great view. And if you’re too hot from all that walking, you’re in luck: on a windy day, count on the mists of Minnehaha Falls to cool you. Address: 4801 South Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis.
This Minnesota sculpture park is a bit more quirky than the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. But that’s what makes it so fun. Dozens of whimsical works populate an otherwise empty field in Shafer, Minnesota. Visitors are free to photograph, climb, and otherwise interact with the sculptures however they see fit. One of the most beloved pieces is the wacky, colorful playground, complete with a swing! Address: 29836 St. Croix Trail, Shafer.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
Alexander Ramsey Park is the largest municipal park in Minnesota. It comes complete with a beautiful waterfall that you can view from below or above. Other features of the park include picnic areas, trails, and even a zoo. Address: 99 East Oak Street, Redwood Falls.
On a sunny day, Park Point is probably the best place in all of Duluth. A walk up a tall, sandy hill leads to a breathtaking view of Lake Superior. You’ll also be able to rows of houses stacked up on the hill in Duluth. After taking in the view, time to swim! Lake Superior is notoriously cold, but it may be warm enough to dip a toe or two in.
Adam Dooley/Flickr
This park isn’t very well known in Greater Minnesota, but it offers an unbeatable view of one of Minnesota’s prettiest cities. Follow a half-mile road up the bluff, then get out to walk the rest of the way on foot. When you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be greeted by a million-dollar view of Winona - for free. Address: Garvin Heights Road, Winona.
Randen Pederson/Flickr
Here’s another hilltop destination with a stunning view. Hawk Ridge rises high over Duluth, offering visitors a chance to see over the tops of trees to Lake Superior far below. The area is actually a popular bird-watching location, so bring your binoculars. You’re bound to spot hawks, eagles, and more. Address: 3980 East Skyline Parkway, Duluth.
ssedro/Flickr
The Munsinger Clemens Gardens offer a peaceful oasis in an otherwise busy city. A stroll along the paths lined with flowers, shrubs, and trees is a perfect chance to unwind. Visit during a music event for an added dose of beauty. Address: 1515 Riverside Drive Southeast, St. Cloud.
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
Way up in northwestern Minnesota, forest and prairie join in this stunning wildlife refuge. It hosts hundreds of species of plants and animals over more than 40,000 acres of land. Visitors are free to travel alongside marshes and through forests offer up-close glimpses of migratory birds. Address: 36716 County Road 26, Rochert.
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary/Facebook
This garden is actually located in Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Minneapolis. It’s a colorful display of Minnesota’s native wildflowers, including bluebells, lady’s-slippers, sunflowers, and more. Birds and butterflies also make homes in the park. Address: 1 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis.
Christopher Cadlum/Flickr
Chain of Lakes may be the most popular park in all of Minneapolis. Miles of walking and biking trails connect six lakes, each with its own personality. Whether you’re looking for a busy lake full of people watching or a more quiet experience, you’ll find it in the Chain of Lakes. Address: Shorelines of Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun, and Lake Harriet, Minneapolis.
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