Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, Minnesota

Over the valley and through the woods, to Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area we go! So it may not be your grandmother’s house, but these woods are worth the trip, especially since they lie only minutes away from the Twin Cities. Here, you can hike, bike or trot the Minnesota Valley State Trail which will lead you right into the Minnesota River, over marshes and streams, and through meadows and savannas. If you think that’s awesome, you’ve got to go off-the-beaten-path and make the trek to the historic Jabs Farmstead from the 1800’s, a cool settlement of old and abandoned buildings, surprisingly not that well-known to the public.

Traverse the Minnesota headwaters, search the wetlands for beavers and mink, and perhaps keep your watchful eye out for the ever-elusive red fox. There’s over 3,800 acres for you to explore and get lost in! Maybe you’ll have to make this Minnesota Valley the spot for your next date with Grams.