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Outdoor Adventures

Two women wading in the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park

Discover the Great Outdoors

With more than 10,000 lakes, immense forests and rugged bluffs, Minnesota is an exciting outpost for outdoor lovers of all kinds. Go canoeing or kayaking on the country's largest Great Lake, hike winding trails out to breathtaking overlooks, bike on scenic pathways, or zoom across 900 miles of ATV trails.

Things don't slow down within the wintry months, either. If anything, they ramp right up, whether you're into snowmobiling, skiing, dogsledding or fat biking.

Find out more about the mission of Minnesota's new Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership — an inter-agency initiative focused on sustainable, equitable growth — here. 

Canoe Boundary Waters

Canoeing in the Boundary Waters / Gary Hamer

Paddling

A vast expanse of pristine lakes and woodlands that runs along the U.S.-Canada border, the remote, biologically diverse Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the ultimate spot for a peaceful-yet-wild adventure.

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A couple watches the northern lights at Gooseberry Falls State Park

A couple watches the northern lights at Gooseberry Falls State Park / Travis Novitsky

The Northern Lights

Experience the surreal phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis in Minnesota. Discover the best places to see the Northern Lights, learn how to photograph them, plan your trip and learn the science behind the celestial occurrence.

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Ironton Cuyuna couple biking

Two mountain bikers take in the scenic Cuyuna landscape / Micah Kvidt

Biking

Cyclists will feel at home here at every turn. Getting around the Twin Cities by bicycle is safe and fun, while wilderness areas throughout the state offer miles of trails suited to mountain bikers of every experience level.

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Woman hiking Honeymoon Bluff in Grand Marais

Hiking Honeymoon Bluff in Grand Marais / Micah Kvidt

Hiking

Well-maintained hiking trails surrounded by vibrant, pristine nature abound, whether you’re looking for a short, relaxing walk in the woods or a multi-day hike into the deep wilderness of Minnesota's north country.

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Catching a large fish in a net off the side of a boat

Boat fishing in Lake Margaret in the Brainerd Lakes Area / Paul Vincent

Fishing

With more than 10,000 lakes, Minnesota is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts in every season, from fly fishing in summer to ice fishing in winter. Discover the many ways to do a fishing trip in Minnesota.

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Snowmobilers in Temperance River State Park

Snowmobilers in Temperance River State Park

Winter Sports

Minnesotans don't mind the cold, because as some of our ancestors taught us, there's no bad weather — only bad clothing.

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