Where Can I Hike in Central Minnesota: Top 9 Places
Are you wondering where you can hike in central Minnesota?
I totally get it. I’m from central Minnesota, and it can be tough to find places to hike in the area!
When you’re looking for places to hike in Minnesota, many lists include mostly trails and state parks found along the North Shore.
While the North Shore truly is a magical place, there are great hiking trails found all around the state.
You can find beautiful places to hike all around the state, and I’m here to give you the top 9 locations.
Where Can I Hike in Central Minnesota?
Below you’ll find the 9 best places to hike in central Minnesota.
Keep in mind that many of these are within state parks, so you will need a pass to enter and park at the trailheads.
If you plan on visiting more than 5 state parks in a year, it’s best to opt for the annual pass, which you can purchase for $35 per year by clicking here.
1. Father Hennepin State Park
Location: Isle, MN
Pass Required: MN State Park Pass ($7/day)
Park Map
Mille Lacs Lake is one of the biggest lakes in Minnesota, coming in at about 207 mi².
Father Hennepin State Park is located right on the southern corner of the lake, not too far from Mille Lacs-Kathio State Park.
The Pope Point Trail is an easy walk along the shores of Mille Lacs Lake, that leads you to a beautiful overlook of the water.
The beach that you’ll walk along is naturally sandy and is a popular place for swimming in the summer months.
Try to catch sunrise or sunset on one of the docks on the lake! It’s so beautiful!
If you’re looking for a bit more hiking, consider hiking the Father Hennepin State Park Loop.
This trail begins on the lake and takes you around much of the park, through the woods, past the campgrounds, and back along the lakeshore.
This state park isn’t as busy as others in the state, so it’s the perfect place to get out and explore nature.
2. Lake Bemidji State Park
Location: Bemidji, MN
Pass Required: MN State Park Pass ($7/day)
Park Map
Lake Bemidji State Park is a unique park, as the lake is located right in the center of town, making it easy to reach.
The Bog Walk Trail is a fantastic area to explore the swampy area filled with different trees, plants, and wildlife., such as turtles and fish.
It’s rated as easy, as you’ll be walking along a boardwalk for almost the entire trail, so it’s perfect for most people!
Rocky Point Loop is another good option, which is just over 2-miles roundtrip.
This trail has a lot of variety, as you’ll walk along a paved trail for part of it, before switching to a sandy beach. To finish, you’ll loop back into the woods for an interpretive trail.
If you’re looking for a bit more from your hike in central Minnesota, there is a 16-mile loop around the entirety of Lake Bemidji.
3. Itasca State Park
Location: Park Rapids, MN
Pass Required: MN State Park Pass ($7/day)
Park Map
Itasca State Park is home to the Mississippi Headwaters and offers some fantastic trails for hiking and biking near Park Rapids.
Also known as Minnesota’s oldest state park, Itasca was first created to protect the headwaters and the surrounding nature.
By parking at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center, you’re able to access the Schoolcraft Trail, which is amongst the most popular.
It will lead you along the side of the river and Itasca Lake. From this trail, you can also visit the Mississippi Headwaters.
For a birdseye view of the park, hike the 2.2-mile Itasca Fire Tower Trail.
The tower is 100-feet tall and allows you to tower above the park and see the beauty that lies there from a new perspective.
4. Banning State Park
Location: Sandstone, MN
Pass Required: MN State Park Pass ($7/day)
Park Map
Banning State Park is the perfect hiking location in Central Minnesota that is only about 1.5 hours from the Twin Cities.
With 17 miles of trails available for hikers, you’ll be able to find one that works perfectly for you.
One of the best parts of this park is that most of the terrain is rated as easy, so it’s fitting for people of all fitness levels.
Of the trails in Banning State Park, the most popular is the Quarry Loop Trail.
This hike will lead you along the Kettle River and allow you to see the ruins of an old quarry that was once used.
A popular waterfall in the area is also found in the park, called Wolf Creek Falls.
Connect the Quarry Loop Trail and the Wolf Creek Falls Trail for one epic hike in Banning State Park.
5. Quarry Park & Nature Reserve
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Pass Required: Quarry Park Permit ($5/day)
Park Map
A well-known place for swimming and cliff jumping in the summer also doubles as a great place to go hiking.
A 6-mile trail will loop you around the entire park, allowing you the chance to see many of the 20 quarries.
Or, if you prefer not to do the entire loop, branch off on one of the many other trails around the park.
There are scenic overlooks all around for you to truly enjoy the beauty that St. Cloud has to offer.
Once you’re done hiking for the day, visit the two designated swimming areas at Quarries #2 and #11.
6. Glacial Lakes State Park
Location: Starbuck, MN
Pass Required: MN State Park pass ($7/day)
Park Map
There are 17 miles of hiking trails available to visitors at Glacial Lakes State Park in Starbuck, Minnesota.
The area around Signalness Lake is the most popular place for hiking within the park.
Take the beautiful High Peak Trail, totaling in at about 3.5-miles roundtrip, for awesome views through prairies and around the lake.
It also takes you to an overlook at the highest point in the park.
Mardy’s Trail is another great option, that loops you around Signalness Lake. Wildlife is often spotted on this trail!
Visit in the summertime to witness the beauty of colorful, blooming wildflowers in the prairies.
7. Mille Lacs-Kathio State Park
Location: Onamia, MN
Pass Required: MN State Park Pass ($7/day)
Park Map
Mille Lacs-Kathio State Park is another great place to hike in central Minnesota that isn’t too far from Minneapolis.
It’s also within just 2-hours of Alexandria, Duluth, and Brainerd.
The Landmark Trail is a 3.5-mile loop that allows you to learn about the ancient sites of American Indian Villages and their interactions with others.
Some of the best hikes have lookout towers to see above the park, and Mille Lacs-Kathio State Park has a great one.
Roundtrip, the hike is about 1-mile, plus the height of the tower, which is about 130 stairs, before you’ll get a birdseye view of the state park.
Another favorite is the Touch the Earth Trail, where you’ll walk along a boardwalk in a bog to learn more about the nature within the park.
8. The Mesabi Trail
Location: Grand Rapids to Ely
Pass Required: None
Map
While most people search for dirt trails when looking for places to hike, some prefer paved that are easy to navigate and use.
The Mesabi Trail is currently 135 miles long and stretches from Grand Rapids to Ely.
It stretches pretty far into Northern Minnesota, but it still offers some great places to hike in central Minnesota around the Grand Rapids area.
The entire trail is paved and is ideal for both biking and hiking.
I’ve spent hours upon hours on The Mesabi Trail biking, running with my dad, and walking my dog!
Although it’s not your typical hiking area, it is a great trail to check out that offers the chance to see wildlife and explore Minnesota’s nature.
9. Jay Cooke State Park
Location: Carlton, MN
Pass Required: MN State Park Pass ($7/day)
Park Map
I typically like to say that Jay Cooke State Park is the start of Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore.
But, if you’re looking for a hike close to central Minnesota and are up for a perhaps a little bit longer drive, then you should definitely consider Jay Cooke.
The Silver Creek Trail is the trail that gives you the most bang for your buck.
It’s a 3.5-mile loop that leads you across a swinging bridge, along the St. Louis River, through the woods, and back to the trailhead.
The Superior Hiking Trail begins making its way up the North Shore just before Jay Cooke State Park, so if you’re able, jump on that and explore.
Doing a few of the sections on the Superior Hiking Trail is one of the best places for day hiking in Minnesota.
Does Central Minnesota Have Good Hiking?
When people think of hiking in Minnesota, it’s most often that we think of the North Shore.
Which, I will say, is truly the ultimate place for hiking in the state.
But, when you want to get out for a hike near your hometown and can’t make it up to the shore, it’s good to know that there are still great trails nearby.
So yes, there is good hiking in central Minnesota, and you can still explore nature, even if you can’t make it further north.
What are the Coolest Places in Central Minnesota?
Minnesota is filled with super cool places, all of which are worth paying a visit!
Specifically, in central Minnesota, Itasca State Park is one of the coolest.
At this park, you’re able to visit where the Mississippi River begins, play in the water, ride your bike on paved paths, and more.
Another epic spot is Cuyuna State Recreation Area. Here, you’ll find miles of mountain biking paths and bright teal mine pits to swim and kayak in.
Conclusion: Where Can I Hike in Central Minnesota?
There is beauty all around Minnesota, and we’re able to see it in so many ways, one of the best being hiking.
And if you’re looking for somewhere to hike in central Minnesota, then look no further than this list.
Use this list of the 9 best places and plan your next hiking trip in Minnesota, even if it’s not too far from home.
