I’m a foodie, a craft beer lover, and a neurotic dog mom. I am always looking for great restaurants that meet my needs and love my dog as much as I do. I test a lot of places, all in name of research. What can I say? I’m a scientist at heart.

Northwest:

Lake Maria State Park in Monticello. This is one of the few remaining stands of the "Big Woods," a maple, oak and basswood forest that once covered part of southern Minnesota. As with most Minnesota parks near lakes, there are lot of rolling hills. If you want to make a weekend of it, there are log camper cabins and backpack sites.

Quarry Park & Nature Preserve near St. Cloud. There are two granite reflecting pools in this park. Natural features include scenic woodlands, open prairie, wetlands, and unquarried bedrock areas. Note that dogs are not allowed in all areas of this park.

Southwest:

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington. A refuge by the airport? You betcha! The lowlands in this park are gorgeous. You’ll have to work for the views though, it’s a hike straight down the hill to the lowlands, and the corollary return hike up. You will find lots of birds who are attracted to the marshy lowlands, so keep your dog close by and tightly secure her leash.

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in Nerstrand, near Dundas. Yep, this is a bit of a drive, and may be more than an hour if you live north of 394. It’s worth the drive. You will find Hidden Falls in this park. I find this park is most spectacular in the spring, for wildflowers, and in the fall, for fall foliage. When the first settlers arrived in 1854, they discovered an island of woods in the vast oak savanna prairie which now makes up Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. Sugar maple, basswood, oak, hickory, aspen, elm, ash, and ironwood trees shade the land. Over 200 varieties of wildflowers, along with countless varieties of ferns and mushrooms grew in the Big Woods.

Southeast:

Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan. Sense a theme? More hills! There are shorter hikes that are mostly flat too. I love the trail that starts at the visitor center and winds around the lake. In the fall the colors are reflected in the lake. So pretty!

Afton State Park in Afton. Grasses, mature trees, and river bottoms, this park has something for everyone. it can be busy, so if you are an introvert like me, stick to evenings and weekday visits.

Northeast:

Rice Creek North Regional Trail. This is one of my favorite parks for hiking and dog photography. In the fall the foliage dies back and there is a corridor of tall tree trunks. So pretty! Grassy fields and a nice bridge over the creek will greet you on your hike.

William O’Brien state park in Marine on St Croix. William O'Brien provides a beautiful setting for quality recreation along the banks of the St. Croix River. Hiking trails offer quiet exploration of the park's rolling, wooded hills. Ideal for canoeing, the river is also a migratory pathway that offers visitors an exciting diversity of sights and sounds.

Go find your hiking shoes and get out there!