It’s easy to stay healthy and strong while pursuing all types of adventures in Minnesota. The state has hundreds of square miles of state and national parks, and offers a wide selection of sports for every season. It’s easy to get to many of these parks and sporting venues from the urban areas of St. Paul and Minneapolis so everyone can participate in fun and exciting activities. Doing so is essential, because staying active is an excellent way to maintain a healthy, happy overall lifestyle.

Dog Sledding in Minnesota

While most people associate dog sledding with Alaska, the rugged wilderness of Minnesota provides a great place for traveling by dog sled during winter months. Tours are available in the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Wilderness. Sledders can opt for trips between lodges or winter campsites with experienced guides. This is a great winter adventure, not to mention being a good way to stay fit when weather conditions make outdoor running impractical.

Canoeing Vacations

Minnesota has many rivers, streams, and lakes, all of which which are perfect for canoeing and kayaking. There are tours through the Boundary Waters Wilderness that offer the opportunity for canoeing enthusiasts to travel between lodges. More adventurous travelers can opt to camp in the forest as they travel through the rugged terrain of Northern Minnesota. Experienced canoe travelers and campers can use their own equipment or rent equipment from vendors in the area.

Spelunking in Minnesota

There are many caves and old mines to discover in underground Minnesota, and it is a fun and different way to explore. Since caving can be dangerous, the inexperienced spelunker should begin explorations with an experienced guide. The activity can include climbing and rappelling; as a result, it is best for participants who have a fairly high degree of physical fitness. There are more sedate urban spelunking tours under the city of St. Paul, located in caves once used by gangsters.

White Water Rafting

Adventurers who love an adrenalin rush will enjoy the many white water rafting opportunities Minnesota has to offer. The Sauna Bath Rapids of the Brule River offer 6 miles of white water that has everything from class II to V experiences, while the Cascade River has class II rapids that are 3.5 miles long. Both venues are within easy reach of Minneapolis and can be enjoyed as a day trip. For true adrenalin junkies, the Big Fork Big Falls is half a mile of class IV and V white water rapids.

Cross Country Skiing

For cold weather exercise, cross country skiing is hard to beat and many public parks offer cross country ski tours. Skiers may also travel from lodge to lodge with a guide in areas of the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Wilderness; day trips are available as well. Those who are experienced in wilderness travel can choose winter camping instead of lodges, and non skiers can enjoy this amazing winter wonderland on snow shoes. This is a great adventure, but may not be suitable for young children or those who are not reasonably fit.

There are lots of other outdoor activities for both the adventurous and not so adventurous in Minnesota. For the most part, they change with the seasons, providing a wide variation. Many activities can be enjoyed by families and even by senior citizens; children are generally welcome as well. Visitors can get up, get out, and get moving, so they can enjoy an adventure anytime of the year in beautiful, unspoiled Minnesota.