One of the best parts about the Rochester, Minnesota area is the great outdoor splendor that surrounds us. If you’re looking for a place to hike, your options are extensive. But these parks get our votes for the top places to go hiking in the area:
Whitewater State Park
Head east about 25 miles and you’ll reach Whitewater State Park, a top destination for those looking to get in a good hike. There are over 10 miles of hiking trails in this park that will take you through valleys, bluffs, and rivers. If you’re looking for a weekend camping getaway that’s not too far away, Whitewater has you covered. There are plenty of places to camp in the park, and activities to keep you busy: trout fishing, bird watching, swimming, and more.
Quarry Hill Park
If you’re looking for something a little closer, you’ll find Quarry Hill Park right in Rochester’s backyard. There are 329 acres to explore and eight miles of trails to conquer at this park. For hikers looking to take the kids on a quick walk, or if you just have an hour or two to spare in the weekend, Quarry Hill Park is a great way to get your nature fix. While you’re there, you can visit the nature center to meet all sorts of wildlife, or take advantage of all the events held in the park.
Chester Woods Park
About 10 miles east of Rochester lies Chester Woods Park. Its 1,330 acres provide an oasis away from the city and offer some pretty good intermediate-difficulty trails. There are around 15 miles of unpaved trails that wind through the park and they’re popular with horseback riders. If you’re a fan of cross-country skiing, Chester Woods should be at the top of your list this winter.
Oxbow Park
Head northwest for 14 miles to discover Oxbow Park. In addition to being the home to the Zollman Zoo, the park also holds a decent number of trails to explore. There are 11 trails here, but none of them are longer than 2 miles, and most are under 1 mile. Mix and match the trails to create your own adventure through the park, which is wraps around a branch of the Zumbro River. You can also camp on the 620 acres that make up the park if you want to make your trip a multiday venture.
Indian Heights Park
Right in the middle of Rochester, Indian Heights Park is a great place for families to get out and get a quick hike in. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the outdoors. Rochester embraces nature so you can experience it whenever you want. Indian Heights has a series of unpaved trails that weave through the 40 acres it holds.
Get and out and explore the Rochester area’s natural beauty at these and the many other parks and trails around us. Nothing is more rejuvenating than spending a day — or even an hour — outside, hiking and experience Minnesota’s great outdoors.
Image by Charli Lopez is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
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