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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