If you’re ready to do some exploring in Minnesota, but hate dealing with the masses of people at MN’s most popular destinations, you’ll need to get creative with the places you recreate. The good news is that there are plenty of secluded options. From small towns to lesser visited parks, you can always find a stunning view without the hassle of the crowds.
- Mississippi National River And Recreation Area
Flickr/Aaron Fulkerson This epic recreation area is the perfect escape from the crowds in the Twin Cities. You can explore the Mississippi in the heart of the city and there are usually surprisingly few other people on the water.
- Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Another amazing recreation area near the cities, this area on the Minnesota River is stunning and full of opportunities for solitude with miles and miles of trails.
- Root River Valley
Facebook/City of Houston, MN If you’re looking for a getaway to somewhere less crazy during the warmer months, try the Root River Valley where you can find small towns with plenty of charm and few people!
- Boundary Waters
Flickr/auntjojo An obvious candidate for an escape from people is to take a trip to the Boundary Waters where access is limited. You can experience stunning lakes, islands and even waterfalls.
- Iona’s Beach
Flickr/Justin Meissen This secluded scientific natural area on the North Shore is a way to escape the crazy state park crowds in the summer and fall. It’s accessible with a short trail, and is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy Lake Superior’s beauty.
- Tettegouche State Park
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources If you want to experience the North Shore state parks without the crowds, head away from Lake Superior and up to the elevated lakes at Tettegouche. The backcountry areas are always far less busy, and have epic views like you’ve never seen before!
- Munsinger & Clemens Gardens
Flickr/RLEVANS As an alternative to the busy McNeely Conservatory or Landscape Arboretum, these gardens in St. Cloud are typically not too crowded but full of stunning flora.
- Noerenberg Gardens
Flickr/m01229 These small gardens on Lake Minnetonka are always tranquil and quiet, making it another great metro escape.
- Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge
Facebook/Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge This wildlife refuge has hundreds of acres of beautiful land where you can be surrounded by animals instead of people.
- Banning State Park
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources This amazing state park on the Kettle River has areas to swim, paddle and hike that will rival some of the more popular destinations, and offer plenty of seclusion.
- Zippel Bay State Park
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Due to its northern location, this state park tends to be less crowded, and with so much beach on Lake of the Woods, it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the quiet views.
- Glacial Lakes State Park
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Another less visited state park, this one has beautiful hiking areas and rolling hills that will amaze you.
- Red River State Recreation Area
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources This state recreation area in western Minnesota is an amazing spot to explore and avoid the crowds that can be found in more popular rivers in MN.
- Inspiration Peak, Otter Tail County
Wikimedia/Amanda Su For an epic peak hike, Inspiration in Otter Tail County will provide stunning views without an overcrowded trail.
- Garden Island State Recreation Area
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Another epic spot on Lake of the Woods, this secluded island is an amazing place for a day trip.
Where do you go to the avoid the crowds in Minnesota?
Flickr/Aaron Fulkerson
This epic recreation area is the perfect escape from the crowds in the Twin Cities. You can explore the Mississippi in the heart of the city and there are usually surprisingly few other people on the water.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Another amazing recreation area near the cities, this area on the Minnesota River is stunning and full of opportunities for solitude with miles and miles of trails.
Facebook/City of Houston, MN
If you’re looking for a getaway to somewhere less crazy during the warmer months, try the Root River Valley where you can find small towns with plenty of charm and few people!
Flickr/auntjojo
An obvious candidate for an escape from people is to take a trip to the Boundary Waters where access is limited. You can experience stunning lakes, islands and even waterfalls.
Flickr/Justin Meissen
This secluded scientific natural area on the North Shore is a way to escape the crazy state park crowds in the summer and fall. It’s accessible with a short trail, and is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy Lake Superior’s beauty.
If you want to experience the North Shore state parks without the crowds, head away from Lake Superior and up to the elevated lakes at Tettegouche. The backcountry areas are always far less busy, and have epic views like you’ve never seen before!
Flickr/RLEVANS
As an alternative to the busy McNeely Conservatory or Landscape Arboretum, these gardens in St. Cloud are typically not too crowded but full of stunning flora.
Flickr/m01229
These small gardens on Lake Minnetonka are always tranquil and quiet, making it another great metro escape.
Facebook/Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife refuge has hundreds of acres of beautiful land where you can be surrounded by animals instead of people.
This amazing state park on the Kettle River has areas to swim, paddle and hike that will rival some of the more popular destinations, and offer plenty of seclusion.
Due to its northern location, this state park tends to be less crowded, and with so much beach on Lake of the Woods, it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the quiet views.
Another less visited state park, this one has beautiful hiking areas and rolling hills that will amaze you.
This state recreation area in western Minnesota is an amazing spot to explore and avoid the crowds that can be found in more popular rivers in MN.
Wikimedia/Amanda Su
For an epic peak hike, Inspiration in Otter Tail County will provide stunning views without an overcrowded trail.
Another epic spot on Lake of the Woods, this secluded island is an amazing place for a day trip.
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