This North Shore park is home to a spectacular four-level waterfall, scenic overlooks and is ideal for trout fishing.See more..
5.0Kerfoot Canopy Tour(1.612 reviews) - Experience of a Lifetime! Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Nature & Wildlife Tours
Easily one of the best times of our lives was doing the canopy tour at Kerfoot Canopy Tour! The course is absolutely beautiful and eases its guests into through three different sections. The first third was heavily wooded and gradually built us up for what was to come. The middle third takes your breath away as we moved above the canopy and enjoyed numerous long lines up to 1200'. The final third was simply exhilarating as we enjoyed the fastest lines on the property. The entire cast was outstanding making you feel more like a family member than a guest!See more..
4.5Canal Park(1.457 reviews) - Must see when in Duluth (especially in summer) Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Watch seagulls soaring while you stroll around this popular spot, part of the revived Duluth waterfront. Nearby are a sculpture garden, jazz clubs, coffee shops, motels and restaurants. If you like ships, stand on the pier and watch huge boats and ships, some from around the world, come and go daily.See more..
4.5Lego Imagination Center(907 reviews) - Legoland - Awesome! Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks
Six thousand square feet of Lego models in the Mall of America.See more..
4.5Enger Park and Tower(907 reviews) - A great place to view Duluth for free from above at sunset. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
After checking into our hotel with our group of fifteen, our friend from Duluth met us and offered to bring us to Enger Park and Tower to see the city and Lake Superior. This was a short drive through a residential section with an ample parking lot. Lucas guided us to the tower within minutes while providing us with some natural history of the area. It surely helped to have no wind, nearly no clouds and pre-sunset lighting. With Lucas providing the human and natural history of the Duluth area and as a recreation professional, the students learned a great deal about the park, the industrial development of Duluth, kayaking and diving opportunities as well as rock and ice climbing venues. Enger Park is an easy walk and well worth the short drive from Canal Park.See more..
4.0Valleyfair(738 reviews) - A great mid-sized theme park with some room for improvement Sunday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
With more than 75 rides and attractions, Valleyfair is the Twin Cities’ amusement park where families come to play the Minnesota way for safe outdoor fun! Discover your next adventure on one of eight towering coasters or learn to love thrills on one of Planet Snoopy’s 16 kid rides. Cool off in the area’s premier waterpark, Soak City to experience ocean-like-waves you won’t find at one of our 10,000 lakes. Plus, we have an event line up like you've never experienced before with the return of Grand Carnivale and Latin Days along with the debut of Monster Jam Thunder Alley™ and Tricks and Treats.See more..
5.0Itasca State Park(539 reviews) - Fun Fall Fungi Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks
Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Stand under towering pines at Preacher's Grove. Visit the Itasca Indian Cemetery or Wegmann's Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. Camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins. Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of Minnesota's seven National Natural Landmarks.See more..
The roses were in full bloom when we went. The flowers, fountain , gazibo were all beatiful make sure you find the statue of Leaf Erickson. They had plenty of benches to sit and look at he the water and be surrounded in beauty.See more..
A good example of Minnesota's North Shore wilderness with waterfalls, forests and wildlife.See more..
5.0Sand Creek Adventures(359 reviews) - Family adventure Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
Shout out to Sand Creek Adventures! Great post pandemic family fun! Ethan and Julian are great guides! Very kind and demonstrated an abundance of patience with 1st time zip liners that were added to our group. It’s located close enough to the Twin Cities for a day of fun. Beautiful views :) We will be back ! See more..
5.0Brainerd Zip Line Tour(339 reviews) - Fun Thrill For The Whole Family Temporarily closed - Closed until May 1, 2023 Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
The Zip Line at Ski Gull was a blast!! My wife and I have tried Zip Lining one other time while in Mexico, but the experience at Ski Gull was a memorable time! The staff was knowledgeable and very trained in Zip Lining. The Zip Line course has 6 different Zip Lines that you will experience, ending with an optional free fall drop, which is recommended thrill! The views from the Zip Line and different platform towers was breath taking! There was many views of Gull Lake and the scenic Minnesota landscape that included a distant view of Foothills State Forest & Pillager State Forest. I highly recommend this as a activity to plan if your in the Brainerd Lakes area. Whole experience takes about 2 1/2 hours with a thrill of a lifetime! See more..
4.5Cascade River State Park(337 reviews) - Beautiful trails and waterfalls Spent 2-3 hours State Parks • Hiking Trails
Northshore park known for its breathtaking waterfalls.See more..
I spent several hours at this park on a Saturday in January. The parking lot and path to the waterfalls was solid ice due to a recent thawing. Many people slipped. The waterfalls were partially frozen but had active falls going on too. The stairs going down to the bottom and up to the other side were very icy so care is needed to keep from slipping. At the other side, the path along the rim was closed for the winter. But you are able to walk along the creek towards the lower falls and get right up to them. It is a great place to spend a few hours and the winter view of the falls was gorgeous. I hope to come back in the summer.See more..
After having visited as a family last summer my teenage son asked if we could take him and his friends for his birthday. Our guide, Melissa, was wonderful at encouraging some pretty hesitant young teens to make their way successfully through the course. It was also fun to watch all of them encourage and cheer on one another, strengthening their friendships and building a support system amongst themselves that will hopefully carry through to them helping and supporting one another through the challenges they will face in the coming High School years. Highly recommend!! See more..
5.0Soudan Underground Mine(268 reviews) - A Wonderful Experience, So Glad We Did This! Spent 1-2 hours State Parks • Mines
Minnesota's first iron ore mine-the Soudan Mine-opened in 1882. Operations went underground by 1892 since the ore body continued deep into the ground. The mine's value was in the special kind of ore it produced. The ore's high oxygen content was used to make high-quality steel in open-hearth furnaces. When technology changed, the ore from the mine was no longer needed. Low-cost ores of the Mesabi Range took over, and Soudan Mine closed in 1962. Today, you can travel 1/2 mile underground and ride a train car back to last area that the miners worked.See more..
This 2,075-acre area with more than 12 miles of hiking paths is the site of the well-known Split Rock Lighthouse.See more..
3.5Amazing Mirror Maze(234 reviews) - Good for kids Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks
Elementary kids had a great time (as did their parents)! The maze is relatively short, but we went back through it several times, which you can do as part of the main entrance fee. The fee was high (bordering on too high) for what you get. Nonetheless, everyone really enjoyed it, even our 4 year old. You wear plastic gloves - probably covid related, but keeps the finger prints off the mirrors too!See more..
We were lucky enough to visit this park when fall colors were filling up the trees. There’s so much to do here—so many hiking trails and sightseeing around the St Louis River. One must-stop part of the park is the iconic Swinging Bridge. There is a rule at the bridge that only one household be on the bridge at a time. I don’t know if that rule is Covid-related or if it’s to limit the amount of weight on the bridge. Either way, be aware that the rule is ignored by many other visitors. If you politely follow the rule and wait for others to finish crossing before you cross, you’re likely to see at least one other person ignore the rule and march right on past you (despite seeing you there waiting), so you end up waiting even longer. So prepare for that frustration. But it’s still a very cool place to visit that won’t disappoint.See more..
4.5Green Giant Statue Park(230 reviews) - Welcome to Blue Earth! Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
What weighs 8,000 pounds, is 55 feet tall and wears a size 78 shoe? The largest statue of the Jolly Green Giant, that's what.See more..
This unique park is located in both Minnesota and Wisconsin and offers camping, hiking, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and rock climbing.See more..
4.5Elm Creek Park Reserve(216 reviews) - Great place to enjoy nature! Sunday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Parks
Love this place! Great place to walk, hike, skate, bicycle and enjoy nature at its finest. There are many entrances in three different cities to get into the park and it is all free. You only need to pay a fee for a daily or annual pass for the Off leash dog park or to enjoy one of the other activities depending on the season. This park is full of wildlife and the deer are my absolute favorite. I spend an aveage of 5-10 hours per week in the Elm Creek Park Reserve and have enjoyed hundreds of sunsets over the years. I have been visiting since 1992.See more..
5.0Grand Portage State Park(211 reviews) - Awesome River flows - Plan to get wet Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours State Parks
Managed by the Ojibwe tribe, this area leads to Minnesota's tallest waterfalls.See more..
4.5Lake Bemidji State Park(205 reviews) - Beautiful lakeside park-bike Paul Bunyan trail State Parks • Bodies of Water
An outdoor paradise offering swimming, boating, fishing, biking, hiking and more.See more..
4.5Centennial Lakes Park(183 reviews) - A beautiful place for evening walks Sunday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM Parks
One of the town's crown jewels features an 18-hole putting course, an ampitheater and an ice skating rink.See more..
This is a fabulous, free attraction that is wonderful for everyone, regardless of age - little children with families, singles, adults, seniors. We recently walked along the Jensen Lake trail during early October. It was stunning. FIve stars and strongly recommendedSee more..
4.5Teddy Bear Park(140 reviews) - Cute Little Park For a Day Trip Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Parks
This was a cute park. Lots of adorable photo opportunities. It also has free parking near and bathrooms, which is a bonus. It's not very big, so we didn't stay too long. It's a nice stop after having a meal with kids. Most likely most appropriate for 1.5-5 year olds (seemed a bit young for my 6-year old niece but she still enjoyed it). My one issue is that the side walk is broken near it and very steep, and my stroller almost tipped over with my daughter. With so many kids around there, they need to be careful...See more..
The park's namesake 674-acre lake is a prime spot for eyeing wildlife.See more..
4.5Fort Snelling State Park(134 reviews) - Pike Island Hike Sunday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Historic Sites • State Parks • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Located on Pike Island, this scenic state park is one of Minnesota's most visited attractions, which features trails for cross-country skiing, hiking and mountain biking.See more..
4.5Franconia Sculpture Park(130 reviews) - An Exploration - Very much worth a Visit! Spent 2-3 hours Parks
Wandered through a huge meadow admiring the wonderful sculptures. The first sculpture we saw was By Michael Richards honoring the Tuskegee Airmen from WWII, a review I read after our visit described it as depicting 3 airmen and it represents "not so much the exhilaration of flight as dreams of freedom crashed to earth"... Franconia made it their first permanent sculpture, having the original fiberglass cast in bronze after Richards died in his studio at the World Trade Center on 9/11. There are light hearted sculptures as well. They all make you think and the exploration is totally worth the visitSee more..
4.5French Regional Park(129 reviews) - Our kids love to play on the ropes. Sunday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Our 7 year old loves this park! We get a coffee and sit while he climbs away. He could spend a couple hours here if we would let him.See more..
Imagine the rush of 350 gallons of water pouring out of a giant bucket over a small roof and onto your head. You have just experienced the first element of the Wild Adventure Island. Featuring 4 waterslides, hydro fountains, a cargo climbing net, water cannons & bubblers. The Wild Adventure Island is nestled within the calm confines of the 800 foot serpentine Lazy River. In addition to the Wild Adventure Island we have several other water rides; a Hydro Tube. The Black Hole, a speed slide. Big Country Inner Tube Ride, 9 slides into tubs all the way to the bottom. The Super Chute, an open flume ride. On the dry side, we have Go-Karts for adults & children. Ride the chairlift to the top of the mountain to enjoy one of the two Alpine Slides on your way back down the hill. Or give the FreefallXP a chance. Jump from the 8' or the 18' platform on to a big pillow. No charge for parking and you can bring your own picnic, although food service is available.See more..
In addition to fishing, swimming, canoeing, hiking and camping, this park offers visitors the opportunity to view the only bison herd in Minnesota's State Parks.See more..
4.0Bunker Beach Water Park(115 reviews) - Great entertainment for kids and families Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Water Parks
The newly remodeled Bunker Beach (reopened summer 2021) is great. Love that the wave pool is a little warmer than before the remodel! Nice variety of water features for big and small kids to enjoy. The cafe menu is also good for a water park... sandwiches, pizza, burgers, corn dogs, pulled pork, ice cream treats and more. Definitely not a budget-friendly outing for a family (especially when you add food, beverages and tube rentals) but a fun summer splurge. I do wish they would offer season passes for families-- or maybe a discounted "group" punchcard that friends or family could share for the season... I would definitely go more often!See more..
4.5Afton State Park(113 reviews) - Great Hiking at Afton State Park State Parks
Located near St. Paul, this 1,700 acre-park offers camping, hiking, biking, swimming and cross-country skiing.See more..
Wow- Bentlyville! At Bayfront Festival Park. Everything is free but be sure to give a donation. This is a true Christmas wonderland for all ages. This was our third visit and one of the best in recent memory during a pandemic. It’s right for the soul and a perfect place to celebrate with family. We came on a Tuesday night later to avoid the crowds making our night special.See more..
5.0Lake Park(96 reviews) - Beautiful park for a walk! Parks
My husband and I stopped at this park to take a walk around Lake Winona. There is a small parking lot with an information station that we parked at, although I think on-street parking is allowed there. We parked at the spot furthest from the information building so others could park closer. This is a REALLY beautiful park! You have to actually walk it to appreciate it. There are benches to stop at and gaze out over the water, which is exactly what we did. A very relaxing place to go. I would say it's a "Don't miss" attraction.See more..
3.5Paul Bunyan Land(91 reviews) - Very Cute Amusement & Theme Parks
So fun. We went here last year and my son still asks how Paul Bunyan knew his name. There were so many things to do. There was a historic area that I would have explored more had the kids not been in tow. They lost interest after awhile, but loved the kiddie rides, the fun house, and of course, the gift shop, where we bought little Paul Bunyans that they cherish to this day. See more..
4.5Banning State Park(86 reviews) - Fall Colors along the Kettle River State Parks
Hikers through this State Park have a choice of many scenic trails, which wind through birch and pine forests bordering along the turbulent waters of the Kettle River.See more..
This park has an amazing play area! Our 9 and 6 year old had a blast climbing the multitude of rope structures, sliding down the three story slides and climbing through tunnels. Our 3 year old needed a lot of assistance (making sure his foot didn’t get stuck in the ropes). There are a couple water misting stations. There are two small play areas, suitable for a toddler (good luck keeping them off the bigger playground!).See more..
We stopped here on our way to Oregon. What a great visual break from the fields of corn! Quiet woods and good views of Albert Lea lake as we followed the loop trail on the island. We saw wild turkeys, a flock of white pelicans, herons, deer and… a baby toad. What a relaxing break from driving! The $7 entrance fee was well worth it and the ranger was really friendly. We had a great lunch at the Green Mill restaurant before getting back on the highway.See more..
4.5Lester Park(80 reviews) - Seven Bridges Road Parks
Went to Lester Park just to drive the Seven Bridges Road. Even played the Eagles song as we drove it (although pretty sure it's a different road they're singing about - but we had to)! Short but pretty drive. If we would have had the time we would have drove it again.See more..
4.5Alexander Ramsey Park(79 reviews) - Excellent upgrades to the viewing and parking areas Parks
We visited on Friday, July 10, 2015 around noon. The park has had many great upgrades and improvements since we last visited three years ago. The viewing area of the Ramsey Falls has been refurbished with a very nice walking area and new fencing and landscaping. There are also new parking spots nearer to the falls and one handicapped parking stall. The sway back bridge has been fully restored after the flooding damage a few years ago. The zoo has new settings for the animals and the buffalo exhibit now has a new calf. The camp grounds have been updated and refreshed with new shower and bathroom buildings. There is also an upper camping area up the hill from the traditional closer to the river camp sites. This park is a gem!See more..
4.0Evergreen Fun Park(78 reviews) - Fun day - they are working hard and improving Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
Evergreen Fun Park (formerly World of Christmas) offers awesome fun in the outdoors! Go Cart, Bumper Boats, Go Carts, Laser Tag, a Laser Maze, Mineral Mining, an Outdoor Maze, Water Wars, a Climbing Wall, Extreme Air, three Escape Rooms, and more ensure that there is something for everyone in the family. We have been hard at work trying to restore the park to it's glory days, We are adding attractions and repairing existing ones. **Coming soon: an Arcade and bar and restaurant. Located between Itasca State Park and Park Rapids on US 71.See more..
4.5Mears Park(77 reviews) - Come for the music then wander the neighborhood Parks
This is a gem of an urban park set in downtown St. Paul. Many many concerts throughtout the Spring, Summer and Fall all with nop charge. You can hear everything from a world class orchestra (St. Paul Chamber Orchestrra) to local and national jazz, blues or rock performeers. Who know you may even see Price as he has been known to stop by and listen. After the music wander the nearby restaurants which offer a wide variety of foods (Thai, Mexican and Greek to name a few). or bring your own and simply enjoy the shade and running water.See more..
We've camped here many, many times, but this time went for a day trip to enjoy some winter activities. What a treat to arrive and see the trails newly groomed for cross country skiing! We were there early and had the trails basically to ourselves. The park is large enough to enjoy yet small enough that we covered basically all the cross country trails. Then we went for lunch and returned to do the snowshoe trail which is just enough to pretty much tire us out for the rest of the day! The views are pretty, the trails manageable and the location right in New Ulm means there are some great options for food, etc.. See more..
4.5Cascade Bay Waterpark(74 reviews) - Enjoyable for whole family Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Water Parks
Purchase tickets online and get there right on time for your time slot. The lounge chairs can fill up quick. There are lockers for your valuables. We went with our 16 month old toddler and she loved it!! My husband enjoyed the slides. The closed tunnel slide can be a bit scary with unexpected turns. Be careful. The lazy river was great. Do it first as the line waiting for tubes can get long. For the price, you can’t go wrong!!See more..
