17 Outdoor Activities for Buddies in Minnesota
The lakes, trails, and natural beauty of Minnesota provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures with your best friend.
National Best Friends Day is coming up on June 8th! Do you have any special plans to celebrate your closest friendship? Whether you’ve been inseparable since kindergarten or just met your new “person,” spending quality time together outdoors is one of the best ways to make memories.
Minnesota is the perfect place for adventurous best friends outings. From hiking panoramic trails to paddling scenic waterways to tackling extreme outdoor challenges.
Some of my best memories are out there on the trail, exploring. I love getting out there.
This year, skip the fancy dinners. Instead, get outside and experience an epic day full of laughter, shared thrills, and friendly competition with your BFF. These are the moments that fortify lifelong bonds. So gear up and get ready to make your bestie adventure dreams come true right here in Minnesota!
Grab Your BFF for These Epic Minnesota Outdoor Adventures
Hiking the Superior Hiking Trail
Stretching over 300 miles along the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior, the Superior Hiking Trail offers breathtaking views and hiking opportunities for all skill levels.
The 4.2-mile section from Silver Bay to Split Rock River offers a moderate day hike with incredible vistas of the lake and river gorge. Pack a picnic and enjoy quality friend time in one of Minnesota’s most scenic spots.
Want to stay closer to the Twin Cities, check out these great trails: 21 Best Hikes Near Minneapolis and St Paul
Biking the Gateway State Trail
This 18-mile paved trail connects St. Paul to the charming river town of Stillwater. Rent bikes (or bring your own) and cruise along the Gateway‘s flat, car-free path while taking in views of the St. Croix River valley. Stop in Stillwater for lunch at one of the town’s sidewalk cafes or riverside restaurants.
Don’t forget to check out these other great trails around the Twin Cities: 40 Scenic Bike Trails in the Twin Cities
Kayaking on Lake Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun)
Located in the heart of Minneapolis, Bde Maka Ska offers easy kayak and canoe rentals for a paddle around the city lakes.
Enjoy the skyline views and look for birds and other wildlife as you glide across the water together. Afterwards, relax at one of the many lakeside eateries.
Paddleboarding on Lake Superior
If the water is calm, rent standup paddleboards and take in incredible views while cruising the clear waters of Lake Superior together near Duluth or Grand Marais.
There is also a great bay in Two Harbors, called Burlington Bay that provides calm waters to start off in.
Walking through Caponi Art Park
Not all adventures need to be adrenaline filled. Take a walk through the 60 acres of wooded hills and natural trails of Caponi Art Park. They have over 55 sculptures along the paths just waiting for you.
Wakeboarding on Lake Minnetonka
Spend a day being towed wakeboarding, wakesurfing or kneeboarding on this popular lake just outside the Twin Cities metro. There are plenty of rental companies that will make sure you are setup with everything, including a boat. Or you can even sign up for lessons with Wakegenius.
Surfing at Park Point Beach
Yes, you heard right, Surfing in Minnesota. Catch waves together on Lake Superior at this famous Duluth surf spot when winds come in from the northeast. UofM students can even sign up for lessons.
Cliff Jumping at Quarry Park
Get your adrenaline fix by leaping off the cliffs into the old quarry swimming hole at this scenic park in Waite Park. There are designated quarry within the park where swimming is allowed, #2 and #11. Quarry Two has a depth of 0 – 116 feet with a 20 foot cliff ledge. The “Melrose Deep 7” is the best place, look for signage.
*There is no lifeguard on duty and cliff jumping can be very dangerous. Please use caution.
Mountain Biking in Cuyuna
Shred the technical, ridgeline mountain bike trails winding through repurposed mine lands in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. This park is amazing for skilled bikers. They also have some lakes if you’d prefer to paddle around after.
Sea Kayaking in the Apostle Islands
Paddle together along sea caves, lighthouses and rocky arches in this scenic Lake Superior archipelago off the Bayfield peninsula.
You’ll need to schedule a tour to get out to the caves. If you prefer not to kayak, they have scenic tours too that are phenomenal.
Technically in Wisconsin, but this is just too cool to pass up. And you can day trip from Minnesota there.
Whitewater Rafting on the St. Louis River
Face class IV and V rapids as you and your friend whitewater raft down the scenic St. Louis River near Jay Cooke State Park. Minnesota Whitewater Rafting company has guided tours.
Sailing on Leech Lake
Spend a day sailing the vast waters of Leech Lake near Walker, one of Minnesota’s largest and most picturesque inland lakes.
Rock Climbing in Blue Mounds State Park
Tackle challenging traditional and sport climbing routes together on the unique quartzite rock formations in this scenic state park. The park is located in southwestern Minnesota and has some of hte best rock climbing routes around.
If you prefer a water backdrop, Palisades Head is also a good choice along Lake Superior.
Picnicking at Minnehaha Park
This iconic Minneapolis park offers a picturesque waterfall, creek, and plenty of green spaces to roll out a blanket and enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch with your bestie. Walk off your meal on the 5-mile loop trail while taking in views of the Mississippi River gorge.
Strolling the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Wander through this vast 1,200-acre arboretum and gardens in Chanhassen filled with sculpture gardens, wildflower trails, waterscapes, and the iconic impressionist-style Monet bridge over a water lily pond.
It’s a beautiful place to meander and catch up. The Twin Cities also offers lovely rose gardens and conservatories like the Marjorie McNeely in St. Paul.
Floating the Cannon River
About an hour south of the Twin Cities, the Cannon River offers a serene tubing experience perfect for a hot summer day with your BFF. Gently float past towering limestone bluffs, hardwood forests, and maybe even spot an eagle soaring overhead as you relax in your tube.
Other popular rivers for floating include the St. Croix and Rum River closer to Minneapolis/St. Paul. 7 of The Best River Tubing in MN for a Summer of Fun
Rock Climbing at Taylors Falls
For the adventurous duo, Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls offers top-rope rock climbing with stunning views of the St. Croix River valley. Routes are available for all skill levels. Grab your gear and harnesses for a day of scaling these unique rock formations together.
With so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors, Minnesota provides the perfect place to create new memories with your best friend. Get out there and explore!
