The Best of Minneapolis and St. Paul The Twin Cities are famous for their urban-meets-rural blend of locations, making Minneapolis and St. Paul unique outdoor destinations. Whether you’re a resident or are visiting from out of town, to fully experience everything the Minnesota cities have to offer, you need to get outside. Explore Twin Cities Outdoors offers the details you need to easily find 20 of the area’s top outdoor locations and a wide variety of activities, including trails in a nature sanctuary, wildflower garden, state parks, and more. Along with hiking and biking, you’ll find thrilling sites for pursuits that require a bit more adrenaline, such as archery, horseback riding, and paddling. The full-color guide’s pocket-sized format is great for a backpack or back pocket, and every site description includes directions, contact information, and other important details. Written by Kate Havelin, an award-winning local author and a lifelong hiking enthusiast, this is your guide to enjoying the Twin Cities in the best possible way: outdoors! Going Places is the name of Kate Havelin’s blog, and it’s what she loves to do. She relishes exploring new places, from tranquil trails to big cities―Manhattan is one of her favorite places. When she’s not traveling, Kate keeps busy reading, writing, and volunteering. She’s active in political and social justice movements in the Twin Cities, and she has volunteered with the National Park Service, Upper Midwest Trail Runners, and Protect Minnesota. She and her husband, Leo, have two grown sons and live in the Twin Cities. Kate’s 18 books include two trail guides for adults and 16 nonfiction books for middle school and high school students, ranging from historic fashions to biographies of Che Guevara and Queen Elizabeth. AFTON STATE PARK This spacious park on the St. Croix River spans sweeping prairies, wooded ravines, and shoreline vistas. Difficulty: Moderate to difficult Length/Time: 20 miles of hiking trails; 2–5+ hours, depending on pace and trail choice. Other trail types: 0.6-mile wheelchair-accessible trail, 4 miles for biking, 5 miles for equestrians, 12 miles for skiing, 4 miles for snowshoeing, and 6 miles for winter walking. Hours/Fees: Daily, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; park office has shorter hours. State park parking permit required: $7 daily, $35 annual. Anglers need a MN fishing license. Skiers need a MN ski pass. Fees for camping and snowshoe rental. The park loans GPS units, fishing gear, birding kits, horseshoes, and volleyballs. Getting There: 6959 Peller Ave. S., Hastings. GPS: N44.8469º, W92.7912º Contact: 651-436-5391, dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/afton Additional Information: Afton’s spectacular hills and varied terrain offer a bonanza for hikers, trail runners, bikers, equestrians, and cross-country skiers. Swimmers, anglers, and campers enjoy the riverside with picnic shelters and dock, plus camping options ranging from backpack sites to cabins and yurts. Birders scope out Afton’s 190-plus avian species, including eagles, turkey vultures, and 29 types of warblers. Most trails start from the visitor center, 1.5 miles from the park office. To reach the beach, campground, and trails, you’ll walk some hills. The St. Croix River sits below a 300-foot ravine, offering a cardio workout and wonderful views. Once you trek down to the river, the crushed gravel riverside trails are flat. The prairie and woodland trails roam over rolling hills and present some challenging climbs. Hill lovers should head for the steep, secluded, and splendid 5.7-mile Trout Brook Loop.