Luverne, Minnesota

The badlands of South Dakota meet the prairies of Minnesota in Blue Mounds State Park.Located in the extreme southwestern corner of Minnesota, Blue Mounds is one of the largest prairie parks in the state. A majority of the 1,500 acres of grassland sits atop a massive outcrop of Sioux quartzite ro...

Devils Gulch Park is located in Garretson, South Dakota, about a half hour from Sioux Falls. It’s free to visit, and is a great spot to hike or picnic. There are trails along the river and cool bridges to walk across.  Along with trails, there’s a covered picnic area right when you pull in. A nea...

The hike is a very simple hike, you can make it longer or shorter as you would like. There is one spot were the trail gets a little steep and is rutted, you go from the rivers edge, to up on top of the cliffs and bluffs area.  Fall is a great time to go and visit Palisades State Park, with the Fa...

Bur Oak, Riparian, Grand Ravine, and River Lookout Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Great Bear Ski Valley is a ski area in Sioux Falls that also has wooded trails that run throughout the property. The trails are free to hike and offer a secluded, private place to get outside and away from the city.  In the winter, the trails can be used to cross country ski as well. We found thi...

Leaders Park Trail is located in Leaders Park in Sioux Falls. Park on the street at the "Leaders Park" sign and head to the right, where you will find the start of the mountain biking trail. The trail consist of a 1.6 mile loop full of slopes, inclines, prairie grasses, and forests. The park is c...

Near the border of South Dakota in Minnesota, 30 minutes north of I-90 on County Route 23 or State Route 75 is the historic town of Pipestone. From the center of town heading north on Hiawatha Avenue is the entrance into Pipestone National Monument. Entrance into the monument is free, but may be ...

The Sioux River Red Rock Trail is located in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. It is a 2.6 mile paved out and back trail that runs along the Sioux River. This trail offers great views of the river, red rock formations, and even a waterfall. It is great for all skill levels, and dogs are allowed on leash...

Hawkeye Point is the highest point in Iowa. Surrounded by cornfields the caretakers for this location have done a great job with some informative displays and marking the point itself. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area. Directions: From I-90. Go to Worthington, Minnesota and take...

The Ed Winkel Memorial Trail is located in Sibley, Iowa. It spans over 8 miles and includes a paved section that covers the first mile. Along the trail, you'll pass a golf course, cornfields, prairies, and many wildflowers. Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed. This trail is great for hik...

Willow Creek Park Trail is located at Willow Creek County Recreation near Ocheyedan, Iowa. It has a peaceful lake with multiple docks, a .6 mile trail that runs around the lake, a playground, and picnic area. It is easily accessed off IA-9 and is free. The trail travels through prairie grasses an...

Once thought to be the highest point in Iowa, the Ocheyedan Mound stands tall in the middle of prairie grasses and cornfields. Though it was surpassed by Hawkeye Point, it is still one of the highest points in Iowa. The trail is free to public and easy to park at. It is a mowed trail that has a p...

Otter Stream Trail is located in Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area. It has a lake, campground, and hiking trails. Be advised that there is an entrance fee. This trail wraps around beautiful grasslands and into shaded forests. The trail sits across the street from Lake Vermillion, and scenic v...