In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, our beautiful state parks can get crowded, especially on weekends – and especially in the summer. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy our state’s abundant natural beauty that’s a little more off the beaten path, head southeast to the Reno Unit of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, a true hidden gem recreational area in Minnesota.

In far southeastern Minnesota, along the Mississippi River bluffs, you’ll find a remote corner of the 1 million-acre Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest.
James B/Google Reviews
The forest’s Reno Management Unit, near the town of Brownsville and its smaller, unincorporated neighbor, Reno, includes the Reno North Recreational Area and the Reno Horse Campground.
Jasmine/Google Reviews
In the recreational area, you’ll find more than 17 miles of hiking and equestrian trails along the dramatic Mississippi River bluffs and the deep, creased valleys of Minnesota’s Driftless Area.
Matthew Lukas/Google Reviews

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On the Reno Unit, you’ll discover dramatic limestone cliff faces.
Renner Anderson/AllTrails - Nov. 20, 2021
Stumble across stunning views of the Mighty Mississippi and its sweeping valley.
Matthew Lukas/Google Reviews
And you’ll discover unique rock formations produced by the region’s karst geology and the action of water on limestone.
Alyssa Kohls/Google Reviews
If there’s any defining feature of the Driftless Area, it is this geology.
Apart from hiking or riding to incredible views of the Mississippi River valley, the recreational area offers opportunities for hunting, fishing, and camping, including dispersed camping.
Jackie Fruechte/AllTrails - May 27, 2023

The Reno Recreational Area is open to year-round use, including cross-country skiing in the winter. Visit the Reno Unit’s page on the DNR website for trail maps and more information about the area. A hike in the Reno Recreational Area is a great addition to a larger exploration of Minnesota’s Bluff Country, like a road trip through the Driftless Area. This large area is so stunning and unique that there’s a grass roots movement to establish a new national park in the region.

Have you visited the Reno Recreational Area? Let us know your favorite thing about it. What other off-the-beaten-path nature spots should our readers know about?

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Reno Recreational Area, Minnesota 26, Brownsville, MN, USA