Hit the Ground Running at 5 Great Twin Cities/Rochester Trails

We're blessed with some of the best scenery in the country in the Twin Cities, making this a wonderful area for walking and running. You can't go wrong even in your Springs Apartments neighborhood, but we've uncovered some of the best locations for walking and running to give you some variety.

Como Park
1431 Lexington Parkway N.
St. Paul

Como Park is a beautiful facility with a number of attractions, but Lake Como is the main appeal for runners and walkers. A 1.6-mile paved path follows the lake shore, with grass alongside for runners who want to travel a softer base. If you want a longer route, you can simply continue to circle the lake or branch off onto one of the other nearby trails.

Fort Snelling State Park
101 Snelling Lake Road
St. Paul

The park is in the heart of the city, but the spectacular scenery takes you a million miles away. There are 18 miles of gravel and paved trails that connect to Minnehaha Park and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Running three-mile Pike Island within the park is a special experience on its own. The island is flanked by the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River, with both converging at the end.

Minnehaha Park
4801 S. Minnehaha Drive
Minneapolis

This park connects to Fort Snelling, but it's one of the top walking and running venues in the Twin Cities in its own right. Minnehaha Park hosts more than 850,000 guests each year thanks to stunning attractions such as limestone bluffs and a 53-foot waterfall. As a bonus, the park's trails connect to Minnehaha Parkway, which boasts views of Lakes Harriet and Nakomis as well as some of the most majestic homes in the area.

Quarry Hill Nature Center
701 Silver Creek Road NE
Rochester

Historic Quarry Hill is a fascinating nature center that includes live animal exhibits and fossil-hunting. The 320-acre park area has more than eight miles of trails that cover woodlands, meadows, prairies and oak savannas, with plenty of opportunities for bird-watching. The different terrains make Quarry Hill a great place to educate and entertain kids.

St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail
Minneapolis

Walking or running this trail takes you through the vibrant heart of Minneapolis and provides unique insight into its birth and development. You'll head down Main Street and pass landmarks like the Stone Arch Bridge, Nicollet Island and The Hennepin Avenue Bridge. Trail signs along the way display pictures and information about the area's past and present.

Have you run or walked any of these trails? Maybe you have a favorite to add to the list. Let us know in the comments!