Hi there!

We usually vacation on the North Shore of MN but since we're going a bit early this year, we are thinking of heading more south. Any ideas, favorite parks etc.?? We are planning on hiking and bringing our dog. I would love any imput. Thanks!

What do you mean my "more south"? I live in the suburbs of Minneapolis, are you talking north of Mpls? Like Duluth? If you can be more specific I may be able to help you.

I love the North Shore but also like the area down along the St. Criox and the Mississippi from Stillwater down. It is a pretty area and there are several places to hike - just can't remember the names like I do those on the North Shore. Sorry.

Sorry, I am from St. Cloud...we are not city types, more nature parks, state parks, that type of thing. When I was a kid, my mom had a friend that ran a girl scout camp in Houston MN, I would like to go check that out again. Is there other nice pretty areas to see around Rochester? We are going this weekend (spur of moment road trip)

Thanks!

The Wynona area is beautiful too, perhaps someone can give some more tips of hiking etc. I have only been there once but it was lovely. You can see where the glaciers went through.

If you are looking for somewhere to go in Southern Minnesota, try the Lanesboro area. They have a bike trail there that goes for miles and miles. Plenty of Bed & Breakfast places to stay at. Most things in the town close early. Beautiful Scenery along the river.

Big Woods State park in Nerstrand is smallish but has 2-3 nice trails. There is also a family farm you can visit there. You might also consider stopping in Northfield and walking Carleton College's Arboretum (the Arb), which is open to the public and features something like 17 miles of lovely trails; Northfield also has a charming downtown to stroll, along the Cannon River, as well as nice older neighborhoods. Northfield is 45 minutes north of Rochester. There's a nature preserve in Faribault, River Bend, but I haven't been there, so can't recommend...they have a website, though. Have a good weekend!