The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Ramsey County

If you're looking for a quick, engaging hike with a unique payoff, the Shadow Falls Loop in St. Paul is a great choice. This easy 2.0-mile (3.3 km) route, which you can complete in about 53 minutes with only 152 feet (46 metres) of elevation gain, offers a surprising mix of terrain and scenery. You'll wander through serene, tree-covered ravines, encounter sections with natural stairs made from tree roots, and be treated to fantastic views of the Mississippi River from various overlooks. The absolute highlight is Shadow Falls itself, a delicate, shimmering waterfall where you can actually walk behind the cascade, making for a memorable experience.

While the overall difficulty is easy, be prepared for varied conditions; some unpaved sections can be muddy or slick, especially after rain, and the descent to the waterfall can be steep. Proper hiking boots are definitely recommended to navigate these parts safely. This loop is perfect for a short outing, whether you're looking for a morning stroll or an afternoon adventure. It's a great way to get some fresh air and unique views without committing to a long day on the trail.

Shadow Falls Park has been a beloved city park since 1902, offering a natural oasis within the bustling Twin Cities. Historically, Shadow Falls was a popular destination in the mid-1800s, and the trail still reveals fascinating geological layers in its ravines, showcasing the Mississippi River Gorge's impact. This trail is a true hidden gem, providing a rich blend of natural beauty and local history in a compact, accessible package.

The Rice Creek West Regional Trail offers a delightful mix of natural and urban scenery, predominantly on a paved surface that makes for easy going. As you follow the path, you'll meander alongside Rice Creek through serene wooded areas, providing a refreshing escape, before transitioning through residential and commercial zones. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife, including eagles and herons, especially near Long Lake Park and where the trail connects to the Mississippi River at Manomin Park.

This multi-use trail is open year-round, making it accessible in any season, and you'll find amenities like benches, picnic shelters, and bathrooms at parks such as Locke Park and Long Lake Park. It's a dog-friendly route, though leashes are required, and safety features like underpasses for roads and railways ensure a continuous journey. Given its popularity, arriving earlier in the day might offer a quieter experience.

Connecting to the broader Mississippi River Regional Trail, this route serves as an important green corridor in the Twin Cities Metro Area. It's a moderate 11.7-mile (18.8 km) hike with a gentle 271 feet (83 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 49 minutes. While mostly flat, some sections feature gentle rolling hills and occasional steep slopes, adding a bit of varied terrain to your adventure.

The Indian Mounds Loop Trail in St. Paul, Minnesota, offers a unique urban hiking experience, blending natural beauty with historical significance. You'll traverse varied terrain, from paved paths to rolling hills, with a notable "somewhat steep" uphill section adding a bit of a workout. The highlight is undoubtedly the blufftop views of the Mississippi River and the St. Paul skyline, especially striking when the leaves are down, and you might even spot wildlife like bald eagles or deer.

This easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) loop, with a gentle 266 feet (81 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 26 minutes. Parking is available at Indian Mounds Regional Park, and the trail is shared with bikes. For the best views, consider visiting during the cooler months when the tree cover is less dense, allowing for unobstructed panoramas.

Beyond the scenic overlooks, the trail is steeped in history, passing by six ancient Hopewell culture burial mounds that are over 1500 years old and considered sacred. It's also a fascinating spot to observe multiple forms of transportation simultaneously – trains, planes, and river traffic – making it a dynamic and engaging outing for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

The Shadow Falls via Shadow Falls Trail offers a delightful, brief escape into a hidden natural gem within St. Paul. This easy 0.8-mile (1.2 km) hike, with a gentle 83 feet (25 metres) of elevation gain, leads you through a wooded area along a riverbed to a captivating waterfall. The trail can be muddy in spots, adding a bit of character to the path, but the reward is a unique cascade that tumbles into the Mississippi River, with the added bonus of being able to walk behind the falls.

Planning your visit to Shadow Falls is straightforward, as it's a quick 20-minute outing perfect for a spontaneous adventure. Parking is typically available near the trailhead, though it's wise to consider visiting during off-peak hours if you prefer fewer crowds. Given the trail's natural setting and potential for muddy conditions, especially after rainfall, wearing sturdy, waterproof shoes will make your experience much more enjoyable.

This particular Shadow Falls is considered a hidden gem in St. Paul, offering a less crowded experience compared to other local natural attractions. Its unique feature of allowing hikers to get behind the waterfall provides a memorable perspective, and the trail also connects to a Mississippi River Overlook, blending urban convenience with natural beauty. It's an ideal choice for a beginner hike or a family-friendly outing.

The Big Rivers Regional Trail offers a delightful journey along the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, providing expansive, clear views of these iconic waterways and the historic Fort Snelling. As a paved, multi-use path built on an old rail bed, the terrain is consistently smooth and generally flat, making it an easy and enjoyable experience for hikers of all abilities. You'll find yourself immersed in a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, with limestone cliffs and river vistas accompanying you for much of the way.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with multiple trailheads providing free parking and amenities like restrooms and picnic areas. The trail is incredibly family-friendly and dog-friendly, welcoming leashed pets. For the best photographic opportunities and unobstructed views of the river basins and the Fort Snelling area, consider hiking in early spring or late fall when the trees are bare. This ensures you get the full visual impact of the landscape.

This moderate 8.4-mile (13.5 km) route, with a gentle 265 feet (81 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 29 minutes to complete. It's a standout trail not just for its scenic beauty but also for its rich historical context, with interpretive exhibits detailing its importance to Native Americans and early settlers. The trail's connectivity to the broader Mississippi National River and Recreation Area also offers endless possibilities for extending your adventure.