Taking in the beauty of nature is good for the soul. The MN River Valley is a hidden gem when it comes to amazing hikes.
This park is truly a hidden gem in MN! You can take in all types of terrain including bluffs, prairie, hardwood and floodplain forests all in this 2,300-acre park. A great park for bird watching as 260 bird species have been recorded here. Frontenac State Park has 13 miles of hiking trails and a mile long paved bike trail. The expansive view from the top of the bluff will take your breath away. Frontenac State Park | Minnesota DNR
Whitewater a very popular southeastern 2,700-acre state park with limestone bluffs and deep ravines. It is an angler’s paradise with brown, brook, and rainbow trout swimming in the spring-fed Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek. Visitors enjoy a sandy swimming beach, a year-round visitor center, easy-to-challenging hiking trails and a modern group center. Inspiration and Coyote Point trails are must hikes. If you are feeling extra energetic check out and climb the historic Elba Fire Tower a few miles away. Whitewater State Park | Minnesota DNR
Perrot State Park’s 1,200 acres are nestled among 500-foot bluffs where the Trempealeau and Mississippi rivers meet. Enjoy breathtaking river views from the hiking trails in this park, known for its natural, archaeological, and historical resources. Home to Brady’s Bluff and the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge the scenic views and leg challenging trails are worth the effort. Perrot State Park | Wisconsin DNR
Great River Bluffs State Park is located in the Blufflands Landscape Region. This landscape features half-dome bluffs with sheer rock cliffs, steep valley walls, and rolling uplands. Top hikes are Great River Bluffs Trail and Kings Bluff Loop Trail. Spectacular views from Kings Bluff! Great River Bluffs State Park | Minnesota DNR