11 Hikes Within 2 Hours of the Twin Cities
These are my favorite hikes that are either in the Twin Cities OR within 2 hours driving distance! You may need a Minnesota State Park Pass or Wisconsin State Park Pass to go to some of these!
#1 – Willow River State Park
Located just across the border in Wisconsin, Willow River has some of the most beautiful waterfalls you can find at State Parks in the Midwest! Find the best trails at Willow River here.
Distance from Minneapolis: 35 minutes
#2 – Interstate State Park
Interstate State Park is one of my favorite State Parks to visit in the Fall. The landscape of the changing leaves along the river is breathtaking. I’ve hiked the Minnesota side as well as the Wisconsin side and have to say the Wisconsin side is MUCH better. The trails and views are better, so unless you only have a Minnesota State Park pass and don’t want to pay for a Wisconsin day pass, then I would suggest doing the Wisconsin side. Wisconsin trails here. Minnesota trails here.
Distance from Minneapolis: 55 minutes Northeast
*Tip: Grab a burger at “The Drive In Restaurant” in Taylors Falls after (seasonal hours, so check ahead of time if they’re open!)
#3 – ely’s Peak
Located South of Duluth, Ely’s Peak is great year round but the trail gets a little confusing in the winter so make sure to follow a trail map. It’s a shorter hike, 1.8 mile Loop, but does have some elevation Find the trail map here.
Distance from Minneapolis: 2 hours North
#4 – Jay Cooke State Park
Another great spot for the Fall time or year round! There are quite a few Easy & Moderate trails to choose from but I personally like the ones that stick near the river the best. Find trail info here.
Distance from Minneapolis: 1 hour 57 minutes North
#5 – Zumbro Bottoms Loop
I wouldn’t recommend going to Zumbro Bottoms in the Spring time. It’s pretty dull at that time but other times of the year it’s much prettier! It’s a Moderate trail due to it’s length, 9.8 miles and some elevation. Find the trail info here.
Distance from Minneapolis: 1 hour 40 minutes Southeast
#6 – Whitewater State park
Whitewater River in Whitewater State Park is very clean and fun to take a dip in if the weather’s warmer. There are a few different options for trails, find that info here.
Distance from Minneapolis: 1 hour 46 minutes Southeast
#7 – Hidden Falls Regional Park
You don’t have to go far for this one because Hidden Falls Regional Park is located right along the Mississippi River in St Paul! More trail info here.
Distance from Minneapolis: 15 minutes East
#8 – Minnehaha Falls
You can’t visit Minneapolis without seeing Minnehaha Falls. Whether it’s winter time and the Falls are frozen over, or Summer and they’re flowing into the river, it’s super fun to hike along the trails of the river which eventually take you to the Mississippi River. Trail info here.
Distance from Minneapolis: In Minneapolis
#9 – Nicollet & Boom Island
I love the trails that take you around Nicollet & Boom Island along the Mississippi. These aren’t exactly hiking trails, more like walking trails, but they have great views all over! More trail info here.
Distance from Minneapolis: In Minneapolis
#10 – Afton State Park
If you’re looking for something within a short driving distance to the Twin Cities, then definitely check out Afton State Park! Lots of different trail options ranging from Easy to Moderate. Trail info here.
Distance from Minneapolis: 35 minutes Southeast
#11 – Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
If you’re chasing waterfalls then definitely give Nerstrand Big Woods State Park a visit. Just a heads up, the “Hidden Falls” all depends on how much rain they’ve gotten recently. I went after lots of rain so the falls were roaring but I’ve heard at times, they are just at trickle! Find trail info here.
Distance from Minneapolis: 1 hour South
