RECREATION & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Year-round adventures for all walks of life.
Image by Erica Loeks/Greenspring Media
The Twin Cities are more than just a concrete jungle. Perhaps their most beautiful feature is the lush, green parks spread across the metro. In the Trust for Land’s annual Parkscore index for 2016, Minneapolis donned the crown for best city parks in the country, an honor it has held for the past four years, and St. Paul finished right on its tail in a close second place. Talk about a win-win for residents. With all these beautiful areas, it is easy to see why Minneapolis ranked No. 6 and St. Paul No. 23 in Best and Worst Cities for an Active Lifestyle. With more than 50 parks and reserves and 340 miles of trails crawling their way through Minneapolis and St. Paul, these beautiful spaces will have even the biggest of couch potatoes trading their TV remotes for running shoes.
If you are looking for an adrenaline-packed day, look no further than Valleyfair. This theme park in Shakopee offers thrills in the form of high-energy rollercoasters, a wet and wild waterpark, and myriad other family oriented rides. Brave riders will feel their heart pound through their chest as their train slowly click-clacks its way to the top of the first monstrous drop, and then scream as they touch the sky before plummeting 200 feet back to Earth at 74 mph on the iconic Wild Thing roller coaster. And Xtreme Swing transforms one of your neighborhood park favorites into a 125-foot-high, 60 mph ride through the sky. Full of rides, food and other attractions, there is always an adventure to be found at the Midwest’s largest outdoor theme park.
While we are on the subject of the great outdoors in the Twin Cities, we might as well address the elephant in the room. Yes, it can get cold here, and sometimes it can get really, really cold. But don’t let commonly held myths about this “frozen tundra” fool you. The Twin Cities have more in common weather-wise with Chicago and Boston than our brothers to the north in Winnipeg and Fairbanks. In fact, the Twin Cities are geographically closer to Missouri than Canada, and have more sunny days annually than both Chicago and Indianapolis. So throw on some extra layers and enjoy this incredible winter wonderland—we promise Jack Frost’s bark is much worse than his bite.
Formed by the juncture of a glacier and the Minnesota River, Buck Hill offers 15 ski and snowboard runs, a tubing hill, 11 lifts and one of the best powder-making systems in the Midwest. Just a short drive south of Minneapolis, skiers and snowboarders alike are able to hit the same slopes Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn did while learning to become one of the sport’s very best. With daily group and private lessons and runs varying in difficulty, all skill levels, from shredding through the moguls to learning the ropes on the bunny hill, are welcome. For even more skiing and snowboarding fun, Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington offers nine runs, a terrain park and lessons of their own.
The Twin Cities are also ground zero for other fun-filled winter events including Red Bull Crashed Ice and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Filled with activities like the Beer Dabbler, Securian Winter Run, parades, an ice palace and more, this-week-and-a-half-long festival takes place in the heart of St. Paul, attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually, and showcases why winter in Minnesota is truly a magical time.
Recreation IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL
MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL Recreation Stories
Explore St. Paul’s Rich History
From the James J. Hill House to the Wabasha Street Caves, St. Paul is loaded with history. Here are 7 historical sites in St. Paul that are worth the visit.
U.S. Bicycle Route 41
New portion of U.S. Bicycle Route 41 in northern Minnesota adds 315 miles along the western shores of Lake Superior, and connects to national system.
Valentine’s Day Memories
From concerts to extreme sports, check out these unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day throughout the Twin Cities.
Immersive Experiences
Get a unique look at these Twin Cities attractions with unforgettable tours and experiences.
Top Twin Cities Attractions
From zoos and amusement parks to shopping and outdoor fun, the Twin Cities have a mile-long list of must-see attractions.
Best Spots for Snow Sports in the Twin Cities
Looking for more activities to fill your winter vacation schedule? Check out our guide to the best locations for snow sports in the Twin Cities.
Holiday Lights
The Twin Cities is full of spectacular displays of holiday lights. Check out Holiday Lights on York, Trista Lights & more for some of the best this season.
Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities
With all the great things to see and do in the Twin Cities, it can be tough to try and fit everything in during your time here—and easy to miss out on some of the best. So we’ve compiled a list of the Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities to maximize your time, and to see how Minneapolis and St. Paul set themselves apart from the rest.
Winter Date Ideas
Music Under Glass, Wells Fargo WinterSkate, carriage rides and the Twin Cities Holidazzle top the list of winter date ideas in the Twin Cities.
Free Park Friday
Get out and explore any of Minnesota’s 75 state parks and recreation areas free of charge during Free Park Friday on Friday, November 25.
A Fly Feet Running Experience
How one of Fly Feet Running’s high-intensity, interval classes in Minneapolis turned a hunter of a wolf into a frail rabbit.
Segs & the City
Get a firsthand account of a segway tour with Human on a Stick and see the streets of Minneapolis from a whole new perspective.
Kayaking the Mighty Mississippi
Discover the Twin Cities from the Mississippi River, kayaking from downtown Minneapolis to Minnehaha Regional Park with Above the Falls Sports.
Top 5 Twin Cities Running Trails
Where to lace up your running shoes and hit the trail throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding metro.
MEA Musts
To help you figure out your MEA plans, we’ve compiled a few short-lists of “must-dos” whether you are planning a weekend getaway, a stay-cation filled with daytrips, or the best “free” activities in and around the metro.
4 Must-See Autumn Adventures to Visit This Season
Get your fall color fix at these enchanting escapes.
Hiking Taylors Falls
A day of hiking in Taylors Falls and Interstate State Park.
Midtown Greenway
Wide, well-paved paths make for an easy commute on this makeshift bike freeway.
Forest Lake
Take a boat out on the lake for a variety of local catches.
Lake Harriet
Grab a meal or have a picnic on the banks of this picturesque lake, known for its walleye fishing.