Published Jun 25, 2016

These 16 Scenic Overlooks In Minnesota Will Leave You Breathless

Discover some of the most epic scenic overlooks in Minnesota, offering breathtaking views and easy access.

Published Jun 25, 2016

Written by

Updated Jun 3, 2024

The One Place In Minnesota That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth

Minnehaha Creek in Minnesota offers a scenic hike reminiscent of Middle Earth, featuring lush forests, bridges, and the stunning Minnehaha Falls.

Updated Jun 3, 2024

Written by

Betsy Rathburn

Have you ever wished you were part of The Lord of the Rings? The action, adventure, and heroism are enough to make anyone wish to escape reality for a little while. We can't help you fight an orc, but we can tell you about the one of the most beautiful places in Minnesota that looks like something from Middle Earth. The lush scenery that surrounds all 22 miles of Minnehaha Creek looks like something out of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic fantasy series. Take a look at this gorgeous waterfall and bridge hike in Minnesota.

From Minnehaha Creek's headwaters at Lake Minnetonka, the creek flows southeast through lush wetlands.

While it may not be quite as thick and dark as Mirkwood, the forest that grows alongside the creek is no less beautiful.

Several bridges cross the creek as it winds its way across two counties.

Some are made of stone, others wood, but they're all reminiscent of something you might see in Middle Earth.

Just like a Hobbit, you can follow the trail to the final destination as you see fit. Many prefer to bike, walk, or canoe alongside Minnehaha Creek. But no matter how you get there, the final destination should be Minnehaha Regional Park.

Besides the creek, this park holds some secrets. Look closely for mysterious statues that almost blend into the woods.

But the showpiece of Minnehaha Creek is the gorgeous Minnehaha Falls.

This 53-foot beauty is the one waterfall to rule them all.

You can view the falls from above...

...or you can walk down several flights of stone stairs...

...to see the Minnehaha Creek fall over the ledge from below.

Some even venture out to touch the water if it's calm enough.

In winter, a walk behind the frozen Minnehaha Falls will make you feel like you're in a fantasy land. The blue kind of looks like Durin's Door, right? Speak friend and enter.

And when you're all done staring at the Falls, take a walk along the nature-filled path along the creek as it bends its way towards the Mississippi.

The stunning Minnehaha Regional Park can be found at 4801 South Minnehaha Drive in Minneapolis.

We're convinced this is one of the most beautiful places in Minnesota, and it certainly makes us proud of our North Star State roots. Have you ever gone on a journey through the Minnesota version of Middle Earth? Are there any other hikes in Minnesota that feel like a trek through a fantasy epic? Let us know in the comments!

Nature|Mountains

Published Mar 1, 2022

The View From This Little-Known Overlook In Minnesota Is Almost Too Beautiful For Words

Mount Josephine in the Sawtooth Mountains offers spectacular views of Lake Superior and its islands after a challenging hike.

Published Mar 1, 2022

Written by

Betsy Rathburn

If you’ve spent any time in northern Minnesota, you may know that the Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to its very own mountain range. The Sawtooth Mountains are not as high as the Rockies - or even the much lower Appalachians - but they are beautiful all the same. The low-lying range along Lake Superior happens to be home to some of the prettiest views in Minnesota, including the overlook we’d like to introduce today. The Mount Josephine overlook isn’t well known among most Minnesotans. But it offers absolutely spectacular views of Lake Superior and its islands. It’s too beautiful for words! Read on below to learn more:

Mount Josephine is a peak in the Sawtooth Mountains of northern Minnesota, just outside of Grand Portage. Like all peaks in the Sawtooth Mountains, it is beautiful from a distance. But the view gets even better from the top.

To reach the trailhead, drive up Highway 61 on the North Shore, then turn right onto County Road 73. From there, you’ll drive until you reach the end of the road, then turn left. From there, you should be able to find the trailhead.

The hike is about 2.5 miles. Because it is steep, it may be difficult for inexperienced hikers. Take your time, wear proper shoes, and bring plenty of water. For most hikers, it takes about 2 hours.

As you hike, you’ll pass through some of northern Minnesota’s most beautiful terrain. Thick forests filled with foliage and wildlife will guide you as you hike. The paths are not well maintained, so be sure to pay attention to where you step!

The trail gets more rocky as you reach the top. Eventually, views of Lake Superior will begin to appear between the trees. Though this part of the trail may be strenuous, the views will remind you of what you came for.

Finally, you’ll reach the peak. Here, 700 feet above Lake Superior, is one of the most incredible views in Minnesota. Not only will you have beautiful views of the lake itself…

…but you’ll also be able to see the Susie Islands, a group of 13 islands off the North Shore. On clear days, you may even be able to spot Isle Royale in the distance. This little-known overlook is absolutely spectacular. With a lovely wooded hike and lake and island views, it is well worth the effort to get there!

Have you ever visited Mount Josephine or any of the other peaks in the Sawtooth Mountains? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re still new to exploring Minnesota, check out our past articles about the Oberg Mountain Trail and Eagle Mountain.

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These 16 Scenic Overlooks In Minnesota Will Leave You Breathless

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The One Place In Minnesota That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth

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The View From This Little-Known Overlook In Minnesota Is Almost Too Beautiful For Words

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