The best walks and hikes in Crow Wing County

The Crow Wing Confluence Trail offers a delightful journey through Minnesota's diverse landscapes, where you can witness the impressive meeting point of the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers. This easy 2.2-mile (3.6 km) hike, with just 34 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 54 minutes to complete, winding through pine and hardwood forests and open prairies. You'll find sections of mowed grass and gravel, with occasional uneven spots, making it a pleasant and accessible walk for most.

Located within Crow Wing State Park, the trail is generally accessible for visitors. While specific parking information isn't detailed, you can expect designated areas within the park. The trail's easy difficulty and short duration mean it's suitable for most times of day, but fall offers particularly vibrant scenery as the leaves change color.

What truly sets this trail apart is its rich historical context; it preserves sections of the historic Red River Ox Cart Trail and allows you to explore the Old Crow Wing Town Site. The park itself is unique, sitting at the convergence of Minnesota's three major landscapes: prairie, pine, and hardwood, contributing to its rich biodiversity and making it a fascinating place to explore.

Explore The Hiking Club Trail, an easy route that takes you through diverse Minnesota landscapes. This hike covers 3.5 miles (5.7 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 86 feet (26 metres), making it a pleasant outdoor experience that typically takes around 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete. You will find yourself winding through flat paths, enjoying a mix of deciduous forests and open prairie fields, with glimpses of towering white pines and maples providing a classic woodland feel.

When planning your visit, remember that The Hiking Club Trail is located within Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. State parks in Minnesota often require an entry fee, so be sure to check the park's official website for current conditions and any necessary permits before you go. Seasonal variations can affect trail accessibility, so it is always a good idea to confirm details ahead of time to ensure a smooth trip.

This trail is a key part of the Minnesota DNR's Hiking Club program, designed to encourage exploration of the state's beautiful park system. It offers a restorative journey through the region's natural beauty, providing a unique opportunity to connect with the local environment. The route stands out for its accessibility and its role in promoting outdoor activity across Minnesota.

Explore the Northland Arboretum Trail, a delightful escape into nature that showcases Minnesota's diverse ecosystems. This easy 3.7-mile (5.9 km) hiking route meanders through 400 acres, revealing everything from restored prairie and jack pine forests to wetlands and shrub bogs. With only 89 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain, it's a gentle journey that takes about 1 hour and 31 minutes, perfect for a relaxing walk among bur oak and jack pine trees, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching.

Planning your visit to the Northland Arboretum is straightforward, as it's open year-round and offers a variety of activities beyond hiking. While there are no specific permit requirements, it's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, so consider an early start for a more tranquil experience. The arboretum also provides amenities like botanical gardens, a nature playscape, and fitness stations, making it a great destination for families or anyone looking for a multi-faceted outdoor adventure.

What makes the Northland Arboretum truly unique is its transformation from a former landfill into a vibrant natural space, highlighting a strong commitment to conservation and environmental education. This multi-use trail system also caters to bikers, trail runners, and snowshoers, and in winter, it becomes a premier destination for groomed cross-country skiing, complete with lighted trails for evening excursions. It's a testament to how a community can reclaim and revitalize land for public enjoyment and ecological benefit.

Hike the difficult 24.6-mile Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: Deerwood to Riverton, exploring mine lakes and forests in Minnesota.

Hike the easy 4.5-mile Milford Mine Park Trail, exploring wetlands, woodlands, and the historic site of a 1924 mining disaster.

Hike the Paul Bunyan State Trail, a difficult 119.2-mile route through Minnesota's forests and lakes, gaining 1838 feet in elevation.

Hike the easy 0.3-mile Crosslake Community Center Trail, part of the Nordic Ridge Recreation Area, with water views along Cross Lake.

The Red River Oxcart Trail loop offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and deep historical significance within Crow Wing State Park. You'll wander through varied terrain, from mowed grass to rocky sections, with gentle inclines leading to the Chippewa Lookout, where you can enjoy views of the Mississippi River. This easy 1.9-mile (3.1 km) hike, with only 36 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick outing, taking about 47 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is multi-use and welcomes leashed dogs. Remember that a state park vehicle permit is required for entry into Crow Wing State Park. The route is well-suited for hiking, trail running, and even snowshoeing, making it a versatile option for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

What truly sets this trail apart is its connection to the original Red River Ox Cart Trail, a vital 19th-century trade route. As you walk, you'll pass through the remains of Old Crow Wing, a former frontier town, and see historic structures like the Clement Beaulieu House. Interpretive signs along the way provide fascinating insights into the Ojibwe communities and the unique ox carts that once traversed this very path.