3 Forest Parks Near the Twin Cities

The Benefits of Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing is a Japanese term for absorbing the forest atmosphere. Time spent sitting or walking through parks can have incredible health benefits like lowering stress and blood pressure, and increasing serotonin levels in our brains. Luckily, there are many parks near the Twin Cities that allow us to easily and quickly get away from the crowds and into the woods. One of my favorite quotes is from John Muir who said, “into the woods I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” Read on for the three best densely wooded forest parks near the Twin Cities!

1. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Price: $7/single day entry or $35/annual State Park pass
Trail Length: 1-11 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Dogs Allowed: Yes, must be kept on a leash
Water: Hidden Falls Waterfall
Special Notes: There are snowshoes and snowmobile trails in the winter

The Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is about one hour from Minneapolis and a short drive from downtown Northfield and Faribault. One of the best things about this park is that the stunning waterfall is just a few minutes inside the park. That also means, however, that the waterfall attracts many crowds on weekends in the summer and fall.

After enjoying the view of the waterfall, I suggest you continue on the dirt path that winds around this heavily wooded peaceful, quiet trail. Once you move beyond the waterfall and deeper into the park, it’s easy to lose the crowd and spend time alone with nature. After enjoying the trails, head into downtown Northfield or Faribault for a fun afternoon at the many restaurants and shops!

2. Lebanon Hills

Price: Free to hike, passes required for access to cross-country ski and equestrian trails
Trail Length: 1-20 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Dogs Allowed: Yes, must be kept on a leash
Water: Over a dozen lakes and ponds
Special Notes: Some trails are equestrian only or snowshoeing only depending on the season. Read signs carefully.

I have been to Lebanon Hills for hiking, snowshoeing, and even a yoga class inside the beautiful visitor center. This massive park has nearly 2,000 acres of land comprised of lakes, prairies, and hiking trails. You can rent canoes and kayaks at the visitor center in the summer, and snowshoes and sleds in the winter. You can hike, fish, picnic, mountain bike or have a bonfire. You’ll also find equestrian trails dedicated to horseback riding.

There are a variety of special events and programs for children offered at Lebanon Hills. Check out their event calendar, which is updated regularly. You can also follow the Dakota County Parks on Facebook to stay up to date on news and volunteer opportunities if you want to help keep the parks beautiful.

Pro tip: If you’re meeting a friend at Lebanon Hills, be sure to specify which parking lot. There are many different entrances, so simply Googling Lebanon Hills may not take you to the right meeting spot. Each parking lot has its own address, so be sure to look that up ahead of time.

3. Pike Island Loop at Fort Snelling State Park

Price: $7/single day entry or $35/annual State Park pass
Trail Length: 1-4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs Allowed: Yes, must be kept on a leash
Water: Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers
Special Notes: During the winter, this loop is dedicated to cross-country skiing only. Hiking and snowshoeing are not allowed on groomed trails.

There are many beautiful places to hike in Minnesota, but the Pike Island Loop at Fort Snelling State Park is a bit of a hidden gem I only discovered a few years ago. Popular with hikers, runners, and families, Pike Island only gets more beautiful as the colors continue to change each season. The first time I visited Pike Island, the fall colors were beginning to give little pops of orange. I’ve returned during a few different seasons, and find each one to be lovely in its own way. This is a peaceful, and quiet walk on an island surrounded by the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. It’s a wonderful way to find some solitude without leaving the Twin Cities.

Pike Island is part of Fort Snelling State Park. You can either drive into the state park, where you will need to pay a fee, or you can park at Historic Fort Snelling, which is free. From there you can walk to Pike Island. There are a few trail maps scattered around the island, but they aren’t super clear if it’s your first time visiting. There is one four-mile trail that circles the entire island, and there are a few options to cut across the island for shorter loops.

Along this trail, you may discover trees toppled over by beavers, or carved into by beetles. Or maybe you’ll find a snail shell, moss, wildflowers, or a bald eagle circling overhead. Whatever season you visit, you’ll be sure to find something unique if you look around carefully.

Leave No Trace

No matter what park you visit, do your best to leave what you see undisturbed. Take out everything you brought in with you including snacks and granola bar wrappers, and be sure to pick up and dispose of your dog’s poop. If you discover any berries or mushrooms, don’t eat them unless you’re certain they are safe. And when you’ve completed your hike, be sure to check yourself thoroughly for ticks. Looking for more ideas? Check out my blog post on Crosby Farm Regional Park, which is across the river from Pike Island, or my blog post on 18 free things to do in the Twin Cities.