Welcome to the Explore Minnesota Tourism Website

Explore Minnesota Website Accessibility Navigation:

You are on the Outdoor Recreation page of the Explore Minnesota Tourism website - use this link to return to the site home page

Sign Up For Explore Minnesota Tourism E-News

Main Content

Use the following links to share and save this page. You can Skip over this sharing and saving feature if you do not wish to use it.
Share/Save this page using AddToAny

Outdoor Recreation

dogsled east bearskin tipi

Explore more ways to play in Minnesota. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is the place for swimming, boating, fishing, and lounging on the water. The state’s acclaimed trails offer great biking and hiking through the countryside, forests, and cities. State parks in every region have bountiful natural resources and programs. This season, enjoy recreation, relaxation, and beauty in the great outdoors.  

Outdoor Recreation Travel Ideas

  • Sail on Superior

    Superior, the greatest of the great lakes, is best explored on the water itself.
    Read More

  • Trek the North Country Trail

    The North Country National Scenic Trail traverses seven states, from New York to North Dakota.
    Read More

  • Captain a Houseboat

    After a great day on the lake, do you ever think: “I don’t want to get off the water!” When you vacation aboard a houseboat, you don’t have to.
    Read More

  • Fly High on a Zip Line

    Zip lines are a great adventure, as you soar through the air in a harness hanging below a cable. In Minnesota, enjoy an aerial north woods view along with thrill of the zip.
    Read More

  • Test Your Skills on Cuyuna Mountain Bike Hills

    Avid mountain bikers are buzzing about the state-of-the-art network of mountain bike trails at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area at Crosby, near the Brainerd Lakes area.
    Read More

  • Easy Adventures

    Stir some excitement into your summer! Try something new, challenge yourself and take home a good story.
    Read More

  • Paul Bunyan Byway Features Birding

    The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway loops around the lakes north of Brainerd, through excellent natural habitat for a variety of birds.
    Read More

  • Biking Brochure Features Trails

    The newest edition of the Minnesota Biking brochure, part of the PedalMn promotion features a wide variety of bicycling resources in Minnesota.
    Read More

  • New Downhill Mountain Bike Trails Open at Spirit Mountain

    Two exciting new, downhill-only mountain bike trails open May 23 at the Adventure Park of the Spirit Mountain Recreation Area in Duluth. 
    Read More

  • Nine-Hole Fishing Course Opens

    Trout anglers can try their skill at nine designated fishing spots along the Root River at Preston, in the scenic bluff country of southeast Minnesota.
    Read More

  • 2013 Fishing Opener Dates

    Fishing opener dates for 2013
    Read More

  • Let It Snow: A Few Ways to Enjoy Minnesota Winter

    Featuring Wild Mountain, Spirit Mountain, Bluefin Bay, and Bemidji area trails.
    Read More

  • Snowmobiling in Minnesota: Sled the Sparkling Scenery of Minnesota's Parks, Lakes and Forests

    Over 20,000 miles of groomed trails beckon snowmobilers to cruise on a sled amid the sparkling scenery of Minnesota’s parks, lakes, and forests.
    Read More

  • Snow Sports a Lifelong Pursuit

    Some of the most invigorating Minnesota sports embrace snow. Mother Nature and snow machines keep hills and trails in the white so enthusiasts can slalom, ski, slide, snowshoe, and sled to their hearts' delight.
    Read More

  • Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing: A Walk or a Glide in the Park

    Minnesota's thousands of miles of cross-country and snowshoe trails beckon trekkers.
    Read More

CALL A TRAVEL EXPERT


Talk with a real person! Our Minnesota travel counselors can give you the info you need to explore our state.

Get the Details

EASY TRIP PLANNING


Create your own trip, selecting places to stay and things to do.

Trip Planner