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The snow has (hopefully) had its last word and the grass on the ground has begun fighting to turn green, meaning that it’s finally good enough to go outside without thirty coats and winter boots!
Around the area (and beyond as well) there are some amazingly cool trails and parks to walk around and soak up our newfound warm sun, whether you need a quick 30-minute walk around to decompress or if you’re looking for some fun day trip spots, these are some places in the area (along with a bonus one that is a little farther) to celebrate springtime at!
Central Park Loop, Roseville
This smaller trail is the perfect place to just get off campus for a short while and see a little nature while you’re at it. Sitting as the trail with the shortest distance away from campus, the Central Park Loop sits near the heart of Roseville and has an impressive display of color when the warmer seasons are at their peaks.
Shadow Falls Park, St. Paul
Shadow Fall St. Paul, MN
Perched right on the Mississippi River that cuts between Minneapolis and St. Paul, Shadow Falls is a great place to get a hike in and some exercise while never leaving the area (though you won’t at all feel like you’re near the two biggest cities in the state). The crown jewel of this place is the waterfall, and daring hikers can even walk underneath where the water falls and essentially be inside the falls. This is the right place to go for a quick escape that won’t be anywhere crazy out of the way.
Winchell Trail, Minneapolis
Just a little ways down from Shadow Falls lies the five-mile scenic route known as Winchell Trail. This pathway boasts a walking path and a biking path, so depending on your preferred mode of getting around you are well covered. There are some shifty elevation changes to keep things interesting and fun. Keep in mind that after a big rainstorm there could be some mud buildup and wet areas around the trail, but on a good day this trail is a sight to behold.
Willow River State Park, Hudson, WI
Willow River State Park Hudson, WI
If you’re looking for a destination that would fall more under the “day trip” category, then the legendary Willow River park is just the place for you. Boasting miles and miles of hiking trails and of course the gigantic waterfall and towering limestone walls surrounding it, Willow is the perfect all-in-one adventure park. There are so many trails that this place has multiple parking lots, giving your hiking game some variety if you’ve already seen the falls before. There is a small admission to get in for the day, but once you see the sights that make this place great, you definitely get what you pay for and then some.
There are many more parks and trails around campus that you can visit as the weather gets warmer, but these are some of the more prominent ones around the area. Keep looking and you’ll find even more hidden park gems around the city to keep your walking shoes busy.
