Camping Gems - Places to Eat in Minnesota
Minneapolis
Cosmos
Hell’s Kitchen
Uptown Bar & Cafe
Barrio
Campus Pizza & Pasta
St. Paul
Heartland
Buca di Beppo
Sakura Restaurant
Duluth
Lake Avenue Cafe
New Scenic Cafe
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Camping Gems - Minnesota
Harmony, Amish Country
Enter a world powered by bicycles and buggies. In the charming town of Harmony, set in Minnesota's Amish region, you'll find over 60 miles of connected biking trails. Watch for horse-drawn carriages, stop off to learn about quilting and canning, or visit the Niagara Cave.
Mississippi Gorge Trail
The park provide trails for biking and hiking on both sides of the river in Minneapolis and St. Paul. These delightful urban trails carry you past river bluffs, wide vistas, and great bird watching areas. Don't miss one of the deepest sections of the Mississippi!
Belle Plaine
Here you'll find fresh apples in the orchards and the Great Scarecrow Festival, held at Emma Kurmbee's Restaurant and Apple Barn, 501 E South St, 952-873-4334. This Sept-Oct. festival features around 100 creative scarecrows. Sample homemade apple dumplings with cinnamon ice cream, test your navigational skills at the hay maze, and buy treats for the babies at the petting zoo.
Minnesota Valley Trail State Park
Hike, bike, or ride along the scenic Minnesota River at this Minneapolis park. A groomed trail runs from Shakopee to Belle Plaine, providing terrific hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and snowmobiling. This is also a hot spot for bird watching and wildlife veiwing.
Berne Swissfest
If you are going to be in the area during August, drive to Berne for the Berne Swissfest (800-322-2478). Billed as the most authentic Swiss festival in the US, it has alphorn blowing, flag throwing, Swiss dancing, costumes, yodelers, and delicious ethnic food.
Apostle Islands
Though they're technically in Wisconsin, the Apostle Island National Lakeshore is worth visiting from Minnesota. This Jewel of Lake Superior consists of 21 islands and twelve miles of mainland lakeshore. You can reach the park from Superior or Two Harbors, Minnesota.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Known to locals as the "Boundary Waters," this series of over 1,000 interconnected lakes is a canoeing paradise. Take a canoe or kayak trip through the Boundary Waters, or bring your bike or hiking boots to explore the 116-m,ile Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais.
Afton State Park
Hike through restored prairie land and onto a bluff overlooking the majestic Saint Croix River. This park offers over 20 miles of hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails. You'll see dramatic ravings that cut more than 300 feet into the bluffs.
North Shore Scenic Drive
Take a memorable drive along the shores of Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake. This extraordinary drive runs from US Highway 61 in Duluth to the Canadian Border. You'll see spectacular views as your road hugs the lake shore for more than 150 miles.
The Landing, Minneapolis/St. Paul
Visit this 88-acre park and step back into history! You'll experience Minnesota from the 1840s through 1890 at this recreated living history museum. Costumed interpreters and authentic buildings show how 19th-century Minnesotans established their lives on the frontier, farmstead and in villages. (2187 Highway 101, Shakopee, 952-445-6900)
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Camping Gems - Places to Go in Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park
Nearly 200 years ago, voyageurs paddled birch bark canoes full of animal pelts and trade goods through this area on their way to Lake Athabaska, Canada. Today, you can explore the park--but only by water. This is a water-based park that's only accessible by canoe, kayak, or motorboat. You'll find breathtaking beauty at Voyageurs.
Superior Hiking Trail
This 205-mile long trail winds through some of the most beautiful country in northeastern Minnesota. Trailing from Two Harbors, Minnesota to the Canadian border, the trail is considered to be one of the best in the country. Dogs are permitted on the trail, but they must be on a leash.
Lake Minnetonka
Looking for outstanding bass fishing? Head to 14,310-acre Lake Minnetonka (near Wayzata). This scenic lake is actually a series of small lakes connected by short canals. It's a great place to take a boat cruise, build a sand castle, or tour the local art galleries and restaurants.
Minneapolis/St Paul
The glorious Twin Cities have plenty to offer, from great cultural events to some of the best metro hiking and biking you'll find anywhere. Head to the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater to see a live taping of A Prairie Home Companion, tour the Minneapolis sculpture park, or take a ride on the wooded trails at Battle Creek Regional Park.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Spectacular waterfalls, a dramatic gorge, and great hiking trails are what set Gooseberry Falls apart. This gateway to the north shore has stunning views of Lake Superior. The park offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and photography.
Mille Lacs
In a state that's known for its ten thousand lakes, this one is a stand-out. Pronounced as one word (mill-ACKS), this lake offers superb fishing for walleye and musky, great snowmobiling and hiking, and plenty of coves for boating and canoeing. This is also a hotspot for ice fishing in the winter. Mille Lacs is north of the Twin Cities.
Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area includes 72 miles of the Mississippi River stretching from the cities of Dayton and Ramsey to just south of Hastings. This includes dozens of parks, some of which are right in the Twin Cities. Take a ranger-led bike ride, hike along a river trail, snap a photo, or volunteer to help keep the river clean and healthy.
Great River Bluffs State Park
With towering bluffs hanging over the Mississippi River, this is a tremendous spot for recreation. Bring your binoculars and look for waterfowl, eagles, and hawks in this major flyway. You'll hike through oak-hickory and maple-basswood forests, pine plantations, fields, and goat prairies. The park is home to ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, coyotes, and many species of songbirds. It's located near the Wisconsin border.
North Country National Scenic Trail
This remarkable trail connect seven northern states and more than 4,600 miles of communities, forests, and prairies. Running from New York to North Dakota, this phenomenal trail will (when completed) be the longest off-road hiking trail in the country. The Minnesota leg runs through scenic Arrowhead Country.
Duluth
Set on the shores of Lake Superior, the hilly bluff-town of Duluth is a must-visit. With quiet forests, miles of lakeshore, and spectacular views everywhere you look, this is an outdoor-lover's paradise. Don't miss winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. |
Camping Gems - Things to Do in Minnesota Fish for walleye on 132,000-acre Mille Lacs. Take a trek along the Superior Hiking Trail. Photograph the waterfall at Gooseberry Falls State Park.
Explore the bluffs and views of Duluth. Go ice fishing on Lake Minnetonka.
Canoe through the interlocked lakes of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Mountain bike down Battle Creek Regional Park in Minneapolis.
See Jesse James and his band meet their match during the September Defeat of Jesse James Days Celebration in Northfield.
Hike the shores of the Saint Croix River at Afton State Park.
Bike or hike the Mississippi River Trail at the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area.
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Minnesota
