It’s Earth Day— Time to get outside!

Apr 24

Apr 24 It’s Earth Day— Time to get outside!

5 places to get outside in the Twin Cities area

Springtime is finally upon us. The sun is starting to come out, the birds are chirping, the grass is getting greener and the trees are starting to bud. So what does this mean? Get outside! Feel the sunshine on your skin! There are tons of places in the Twin Cities to enjoy the fresh air, whether it is in the woods, in the city, or at a park. Here are just 5 places to get outside and start your spring off right.

Minnehaha Falls

*Photo from Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board*

Minnehaha Falls is one of the most popular (and beautiful) parks in Minneapolis. It is open all year round and features 10 miles of trails, a 53 foot waterfall (definitely picture worthy), as well as limestone bluffs and four botanical gardens. There are picnic areas and even a restaurant that is open seasonally. Along with gorgeous views of nature, there are historical features and sculptures to visit as well. Minnehaha Falls attracts over 850,000 annual visitors, and you should definitely be one of them.

Fort Snelling State Park

*Photo from MN Department of Natural Resources*

Fort Snelling State Park is located just southwest of campus by the airport. The park features fishing, historic sites, interpretive exhibits, bike trails, cross-country skiing and so much more. Fishing is free at the park and equipment can be checked out at no cost. There are multiple different walking trails that range from one to three mile loops around Snelling Lake or Pike Island with views of the Mississippi River and Minnesota River.

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

The gardens just opened for the season on Apr. 15. This garden features walking paths, gardens and views of many different bird species. It is open from April to October and has woodlands, wetlands and oak savanna. During the months of April and May, the woodlands are the best area to visit to see bloodroot, wild ginger, trillium, bluebells and trout lilies.

St. Anthony Falls/Stone Arch Bridge

If you are more of a city person, then these next two places are for you. St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge are located right in Northeast Minneapolis. As well as being a park and being able to walk over the extremely photogenic bridge, it is also located in the St. Anthony Falls Historic District which features the Heritage Trail, a 2-mile loop with a visitors center.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Lastly, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is for all of our art lovers out there. Going to see art is a great excuse to get outside. The garden is located in the center of Minneapolis. The garden offers a self guided tour map to see all the sculptures they have to offer, including the famous and iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture all us Minnesotans know and love.

Whether you love hiking and nature, or prefer to stay in the city, there are a ton of places in the Twin Cities to explore. These are just a few of the great areas to inspire you to get outside and explore your community.