Seven Best Places in Minneapolis to Hike in Fall

Minneapolitans love the outdoors — this year, we ranked as the healthiest city in the U.S. One of our favorite ways to stay fit is by hiking. Minneapolis maintains several parks, which offer hiking trails and gorgeous scenery for visitors and locals to take advantage of throughout the year.

Check out our list of the seven best places in Minneapolis to hike in the fall, below:

1. Wood Lake

The Wood Lake Nature Reserve is located about 15 minutes from Minneapolis. The 150-acre area features local wildlife like ducks and beavers, as well as several walking trails and a floating boardwalk. Choose from five different paths, which range from 0.1 to 1.8 miles. A picnic ground is also available.

2. Fort Snelling State Park

Fort Snelling State Park includes a vast amount of history, from the Civil War to World War II. The fort outpost is home to the Pike Island Loop, a popular hiking trail that extends three miles. Follow the path and take in the scenic views of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers.

3. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Located 30 minutes outside of Minneapolis, Lebanon Hills Regional Park is the largest in Dakota County, covering around 2000 acres. Several trails are available to hike, such as the Holland Lake, Jensen Lake and West trails. Holland and Jensen Lake are popular due to their scenic view of the park’s lakes. Each offers more than 14 miles of hiking trails.

4. Elm Creek Park Reserve

Elm Creek Park Reserve is 30 minutes outside of Minneapolis. Its trail and other amenities, however, make it well worth a visit. The reserve offers more than 51 miles of hiking trails across its 4900 acres of parkland. A swimming pond is also available so you can cool off after your hike.

5. B.F. Nelson Park

B.F. Nelson Park is in the heart of Minneapolis. Several walking paths connect the park to Boom Island and Nicollet Island Park. The three trails provide beautiful views of the Mississippi River, as well as access to picnic sites.

6. Theodore Wirth Regional Park

Theodore Wirth Regional Park is the largest park in Minneapolis’ park system — it’s almost the size of Central Park in New York City. The park features numerous intermediate paved, grass and dirt trails. The park also includes a wildflower garden, quaking bog and bird sanctuary.

7. Minnehaha Park

Minnehaha Park is a favorite of tourists and locals due to its 53-foot waterfall, which sees 850,000 visitors each year. The park includes 10 miles of hiking trails and is dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend can hike alongside you. You can also hop into a wading pool to cool off from the summer heat.

Whether you’re visiting Minneapolis or live in the Twin Cities, our parks and hiking trails are worth a visit. Once you’re finished exploring Minnehaha Park or Fort Snelling State Park, we think you will have earned yourself a delicious meal. Come and grab a savory, thin-crust pizza from the tastiest pizza place in town — Tasty Pizza.