BIKING  

Minnesota’s biggest city (Minneapolis) often trades places with Portland in nationwide rankings of the best urban spots for biking in the country. In a 2024 report, Walk Score put it all into perspective by writing, “Known for its cold weather, abundance of lakes, and numerous parkways and trails, Minneapolis is the most bikeable city in the U.S. Minneapolis earns its high marks in part due to its extremely flat terrain, interconnected parks, and robust cycling infrastructure.  

The Redfin-related company continued, “No matter your level or style, there are bike paths, trails, and open roadways perfect for you. In fact, Minneapolis is home to 16 miles of protected bikeways and 98 miles of bike lanes. Cycle along the Great River Road and over the famous Stone Arch Bridge, grab some friends and tackle the 63-mile Luce Line State Trail, or commute to work via the Midtown Greenway. You can also take a tour of the lakes in the area by riding along the Chain of Lakes.” 

Venture further out, and you’ll find converted railroad beds and scenic paths through lush forests and wild prairies. Add it all up and Minnesota has more than 4,000 miles of paved trails spread throughout the state, including such long hauls as the Root River, Paul Bunyan and Central Lakes trails. 

If you’re more of a mountain / fat bike person, Minnesota is also home to a wide variety of wild, innovative trail systems, many of which stay open all winter long. From the lift-served downhill runs of Duluth to the legendary red dirt routes of Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, biking isn’t just a calorie burner here. It’s a widely supported lifestyle.  

Plan a proper biking trip in Minnesota. 

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING 

Minnesota has more well-groomed miles of cross-country ski trails (2,000+, to be exact) than a long drive from St. Paul to Los Angeles. No wonder why St. Paul’s own Jessie Diggins is widely known as one of the country’s greatest winter sports athletes — a two-time World Cup winner with a cabinet full of Olympic and World Championship medals.  

If you’re new to the sport, several parks and ski areas offer lessons and equipment rentals. The Loppet Foundation at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis offers regular group lessons on weekend for both classic and skate skiing. The park offers 14 miles of groomed ski trails for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers using natural and manufactured snow. 

In Maple Grove, the massive, 4,900-acre Elm Creek Park Reserve offers an 11-mile cross-country loop during the day and three miles of ethereal, lighted trails in the evening. Like Theodore Wirth Park, Elm Creek also offers equipment rentals, lessons and concessions. It has also made itself virtually weather-proof by making snow when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.   

The crown jewel of Minnesota’s many cross-country skiing destinations is the Gunflint Trail in far northeast Minnesota. Paddlers may recognize it from summer trips to the Boundary Waters, and its splendor is just as impressive in the winter. Sub-divided into three 70 km trail systems, the Gunflint Trail cuts a well-groomed path through some of northern Minnesota’s most beautiful and remote wilderness. 

Check out a complete guide to cross-country skiing in Minnesota. 

FISHING  

Minnesota offers world-class freshwater fishing, cutting across a staggering landscape of colossal lakes, scenic streams, and the mighty Mississippi River. Roaming these waters all year round are such reel-’em-in regulars as walleye, bass, trout, panfish, Northern pike and muskies. Cast your reel in the hopes of catching fearsome trophies in the fall, whoppers in the winter, or the state fish that’s a favorite of many foodies.  

For the ultimate fishing trip, head straight for the Walleye Capital of the World, which really hits its stride during the summer. That’s when resorts like Arnesen’s Rocky Point offer guided fishing on charter boats that explain the difference between downriggers and depth finders and make the most of the lake’s more than 1 million acres. It takes less than 15 minutes to get from Arnesen’s sprawling marina to sun-dappled spots with schools of saugers, walleyes, perch, and Northern pike.  

Check out 10 Reasons to Go Fishing in Minnesota. 

FITNESS   

Between our three major, locally owned chains (Anytime Fitness, Snap Fitness, and the publicly traded spa / health club hybrid Life Time), quality equipment companies (Octane Fitness, Torque Fitness), and the sheer volume and variety of gyms, yoga studios and special interest spots that are based here, it’s not hard to see why Minnesota often rises to the top of national rankings.

Or as Anytime Fitness CEO / co-founder Chuck Runyon put it in a Minnesota Monthly feature, “We affectionately call Minnesota ‘Sweat Valley’ — like Silicon Valley out west.... I tie it back to our heritage, our Scandinavian influence and how active they are in those regions of the world.

He continued, "And if you go back decades, Minnesota has been very progressive in terms of medical technology companies. We have a great culture of wellness here. It’s a confluence of heritage, climate, and progressive medical mindset that planted a seed.” 

Find out where you can play the latest indoor/outdoor sensation: pickleball. 

HIKING  

From pristinely maintained prairies and thunderous waterfalls to metro area mainstays and the mountainous, 300-mile Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota is the home of manifold hiking in the Midwest.

Everyone is encouraged to take part in the fun, too, whether you’re tackling a trail with your family, dog or own personal goals in mind.  

“Spending time outdoors is a way of life in Minnesota,” You Can Hike with Us explained in an Outside interview about their inclusive club. “We take a lot of pride in caring for our trails, state parks, and reserves so everyone can experience them year-round.

They continued, "You can find hiking trails within a short drive of just about anywhere in Minnesota, too. Some of our most beautiful hiking trails are close to Minneapolis-St. Paul, making it easy to get out and explore. Additionally, the state’s diverse landscape creates a lot of variety in difficulty and terrain.” 

Check out 15 of our favorite hiking trails.  

PADDLING  

Relaxing and remote multi-day trips in such otherworldly destinations as Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters. Sightseeing by canoe or kayak in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Raucous whitewater runs on class II, III and IV rapids. With more than 10,000 lakes and nearly 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, you'll find incredible aquatic adventures in Minnesota no matter how you prefer to paddle. 

Sitting on the shores of Lake Superior and boasting nearly 12,000 other lakes means there’s more than a few family-friendly places to canoe and kayak in Minnesota as well. Paddling Magazine breaks down some of the very best here. 

Read why The New York Times named the Boundary Waters one of its 52 Places to Go in 2024 and a few other road trip-worthy routes. 

RUNNING  

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or lacing up a fresh pair of spring-loaded shoes for the first time, Minnesota has everything you need for an incredible running experience. As it turns out, the Land of 10,000 Lakes also happens to have thousands of miles of picturesque trails that wind their way through woods, lakeshores, hills and prairies. It’s no wonder why Olympians like marathoner Dakotah Lindwurm and middle-distance runner Carrie Tollefson chose to live and train here. 

“Minnesotans cherish and prioritize being outside,” says Kurt Decker, the general manager of the beloved local store TC Running Company. “We don’t let things like winter [or] really hot summer days get in our way. There’s always people out running.” 

Check out a complete rundown (no pun intended!) of Minnesota trails, marathons, stores and clubs.