Family Weekender: Minneapolis
Quick Escapes for Twin Cities Families
By Mike Youngblood
Looking for serenity, adventure, thrills or stunning landscape?
It's right in our backyard.
Behold the City of Lakes!
Minnesota families don't need to be told there's more to their state than snow-covered prairie: there's the great Northwoods, more than 10,000 lakes, scenic riverways, and fascinating glacial terrains. These diverse natural areas are so deeply a part of the Minnesota soul that the state has developed one of the best parks, preserves, and recreation networks in the country.
You don't have to travel all the way to Lake Superior's famed north shore or the pristine Boundary Waters Wilderness to experience the beauty of the Northland. There's an abundance of outdoor wonderlands for the whole family within just an hour or two from home.
Whether it's bird watching in the Minnesota River Valley, bicycling in the southeastern blufflands, exploring the bizarre ice-age geology of Taylor's Falls, or hiking in the footsteps of Native Americans and Voyageurs on the Grand Portage Trail, the possibilities for quick family escapes abound.
And don't forget, we're Minnesotans! When the snow does fall, there's no need to crawl back to that dusty TV — these areas can be enjoyed just as much with mukluks, snowshoes or cross-country skis.
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Article © Mike Youngblood
Mike Youngblood has backpacked, climbed, biked, and skied all over Minnesota and throughout North America, Europe, North Africa, South Asia, Central America, and the Arctic. When in Minnesota or New York, he enjoys spending time with his two nieces and two nephews, ages 2 through 9.
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