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Nature|Parks & Gardens

Happiness Is A Summer Day Trip To This Lesser-Known Lake In Minnesota

Published May 23, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

Just about everyone in the Twin Cities metro area and the Land of 10,000 Lakes - and many folks around the world thanks to the 1984 film Purple Rain - is familiar with Lake Minnetonka. It's one of the state's largest lakes and a year-round magnet for fun in and on the water (or ice). However, did you know there's another lake that's located just a mile away, but still in the Lake Minnetonka town of Excelsior, that happens to be the centerpiece of an incredible 340-acre park? Well, there is, and Lake Minnewashta Regional Park is a lakeside park in Minnesota that's a perfect destination for a summer day trip.

Lake Minnewashta Regional Park is located in the charming city of Excelsior, just south of the main part of town.

Sign for East Brainerd Regional Park surrounded by green trees and grass on a cloudy day.
Google Street View

Located just over the Carver County line, this 340-acre park is being developed slowly.

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A grassy area with a gravel path, colorful wildflowers in the foreground, and a pavilion under a blue sky in the background.
Carver County Parks

This means that it has plenty of amenities but also a lot of natural spaces to enjoy.

As the name implies, the park's main draw is Lake Minnewashta, itself.

A serene lake view with sandy shore, gentle waves, and a blue sky dotted with clouds.
Nicholas Walther/Google Reviews

Folks enjoy the swimming beach and waterfront picnic areas.

A beach scene with people swimming and relaxing by the water, viewed from a shaded pavilion.
Harsh Baid/Google Reviews

A boat ramp offers easy access for paddlers, anglers, and pleasure boaters.

A group of people carrying paddleboards into a calm lake under a clear blue sky.
Carver County Parks/Google Reviews

You can also enjoy dropping a line from shore or off the park's fishing pier.

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A serene sunset over a lake, with wooden docks extending into the water and a person sitting peacefully.
Sarah Arun/Google Reviews

Back on land, there's also plenty to do.

A playground with slides and tunnels surrounded by trees and grassy areas under a clear blue sky.
Jeffrey Grier/Google Reviews

Kids will love the large, modern play area.

And nature lovers will enjoy the miles of trails in the park that offer a good bit of lakefront hiking.

A grassy path leads into a wooded area, marked by a sign for the Lake Trail with icons for walking and pets.
Megan Force/AllTrails

Even better, this lakeside park in Minnesota is now free to use, as the county has eliminated park entrance fees. All you need to bring is sunscreen and all of your gear for your favorite water activities, whether it's swimming, paddling, fishing, or just enjoying a day on a beautiful Minnesota beach. You may also want to bring a picnic and some sturdy shoes to spend some time enjoying the park's trails. For park hours and other information, visit the Carver County Parks website. AllTrails is a great resource for trail maps and other info.

Have you visited Lake Minnewashta Regional Park in Excelsior? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us about your favorite lesser-known lakes in Minnesota.

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Nature|Hiking

The Natural Wonder in Minnesota That Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

Inspiration Point, in the west-central part of the state, is a lesser known natural wonder in Minnesota - a true hidden gem.

Published Oct 25, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

Following the sun's arc across the Land of 10,000 Lakes, most folks will notice pretty quickly that the soaring river bluffs and deep, wooded valleys in the east gradually give way to gently rolling prairies and shimmering glacial lakes in the west. This means that any place with a little elevation above the landscape in this part of Minnesota will have quite a bit of prominence. One such spot is Inspiration Peak, which you can access from its namesake wayside. It's not nearly as well known as other viewpoints in the state, and in my opinion, that's what makes it such a hidden gem natural wonder in Minnesota.

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A scenic view of rolling green hills under a cloudy sky, with a winding path leading through the grass.
Karin R/AllTrails

You'll find Inspiration Peak just west of Urbank, in Otter Tail County. It's part of a unique area called the Leaf Hills that was formed by a glacial moraine. Though it hasn't been accorded full park status, it is a designated state wayside - so that's something, anyway. Nobel Prize-winning author and Minnesota native Sinclair Lewis famously waxed lyrical about the hill, which was called Leaf Mountain by early pioneers. After folks got word of Lewis' love for the spot, it was renamed Inspiration Peak and more folks started visiting.

The peak rises about 200 feet above the surrounding terrain affording views of dozens of lakes over miles of plains and forest. The hike to the top is a moderate, half-mile loop. You'll feel it a bit on the way up, but the view is definitely worth the effort.

A panoramic view of vibrant autumn foliage with a clear blue sky and distant hills under soft clouds.
Aubrey Couture/AllTrails

Inspiration Peak is a natural wonder that just doesn't get the same love as so many of the other incredible natural places in Minnesota, which is why I think it's a hidden gem that's worthy of being singled out. What's more, with its location in Otter Tail County, it's a natural wonder within a natural wonder - Otter Tail County is home to more lakes than any other county in the entire country - 1,048 - and that's pretty wondrous! Inspiration Peak is the best place to go to see a few of those lakes from a single viewpoint.

So, you may go to visit Inspiration Peak State Wayside, but you'll want to take some time to explore the whole county, which is home to two state parks - Maplewood and Glendalough - and adjacent to two more: Buffalo River and Lake Carlos. The charming community of Battle Lake and this enchanting lakefront cabin would make a perfect base camp for your adventures.

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Nature|Hiking

The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in Minnesota That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Dunton Locks County Park, in Detroit Lakes, is one of our favorite small-town parks in Minnesota

Published Oct 10, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we are lucky to have many, many, charming small towns. And these towns often have at least one park. And because we Minnesotans love our green spaces, many communities can boast two or more. Parks range from grassy squares with a tree or two, a picnic table, and perhaps some playground equipment to recreation-oriented parks full of fields and facilities to elaborate, forested preserves with rushing creeks and hiking trails - and everything in between.

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Some small towns, like Isle and Luverne, even have state parks right at their doorsteps. Others are home to wonderful city or county parks. Detroit Lakes falls into the latter category, boasting a huge, lakefront city park with a beach and plenty of amenities, as well as the incredible Dunton Locks County Park, which is one of my favorite small-town parks in Minnesota.

A serene view of a river flowing into a lake, surrounded by trees and a wooden dock in the distance.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

You'll find Dunton Locks County Park on the western edge of Detroit Lakes, spanning 53 acres along the shores of Muskrat and Sallie Lakes.

A wooden bridge leads into a lush green path, with a person walking in the distance.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

With several miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderately challenging, the park is ideal for hiking, cycling, and snowshoeing (in winter, of course). There's even a section of the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail in the park. It's also rumored to be home to one of Thomas Dambo's famous trolls.

A large wooden figure with a friendly expression stands among trees, waving in a lush green forest.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

In warmer months, fishing, paddling, and camping are popular activities at Dunton Lakes. There are also picnic shelters and other amenities for the family to enjoy. The park is open year-round, and it's lovely landscape is stunning in all seasons - yes, even during winter. I promise.

A snowy forest path surrounded by trees blanketed in fresh snow, creating a serene winter landscape.
Tim Stellmach/Only In Your State

Next time you're in the Detroit Lakes area - whether chasing trolls or just visiting Lake Country - be sure to save some time to explore Dunton Locks County Park... you'll be glad you did. Check out AllTrails Plus for some additional hiking suggestions at the park. And if you'll need a place to stay, you won't find a better location than Best Western Premiere: The Lodge on Lake Detroit. As its name implies, it's right on the lake, and it's one of our favorite resorts in the area.

Have you visited Dunton Locks County park in Detroit Lakes? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us about your favorite small-town parks in Minnesota.

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