Minnesota Explorer

Minnesota Explorers
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

From the boundary waters to the bluffs of the Mississippi, Minnesota is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Join us each week as we venture off the beaten path to uncover the stories, people, and places that make the Land of 10,000 Lakes unlike anywhere else. Whether you're a lifelong Minnesotan or just passing through, there's always something new to explore.

  1. 1d ago

    St. Croix State Park: Minnesota's Largest and Wildest State Park

    St. Croix State Park in Pine County is Minnesota's largest state park, stretching across more than 34,000 acres where two of Minnesota's most celebrated rivers -- the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and the Kettle River Wild and Scenic River -- come together in a landscape shaped by glaciers, loggers, and the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps. In this episode, we explore the park's remarkable CCC history and its National Historic Landmark buildings, climb the 100-foot fire tower for panoramic views of the river valley, hike to the confluence of two legendary rivers, cool off at Lake Clayton Beach, and paddle the quiet reaches of the St. Croix. We also look at nearby Banning State Park near Sandstone, the Hinckley Fire Museum, and where to grab a caramel roll at Tobies Restaurant and Bakery. For gear recommendations and more adventures around Minnesota and the world, visit NorthStarTravelers.com.

    12 min

  2. Jun 22

    Historic Fort Snelling: Where Two Rivers Shaped a Nation

    Stand at the bluff where the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers meet and you are standing at the very center of Minnesota's story -- a place sacred to the Dakota people for thousands of years, turned military outpost, turned witness to some of the most pivotal and painful chapters in American history. This episode of Minnesota Explorer takes you inside Historic Fort Snelling, from the round tower on the point to the Commandant's House, from the enlisted men's barracks to the sobering story of Dred and Harriet Scott. Along the way, we also cover nearby Fort Snelling State Park and the village of Mendota just across the river -- with dining recommendations including Hazelwood Food and Drink in Bloomington and The Lexington on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. Visit NorthStarTravelers.com to explore our other podcast shows and browse gear recommendations for wherever your next journey takes you.

    15 min

  3. Jun 15

    Maplewood State Park: Where the Glaciers Left Their Masterpiece

    Maplewood State Park in Otter Tail County is one of Minnesota's most surprising and beautiful state parks -- 9,250 acres of rolling glacial hills, eight sparkling lakes, and hardwood forests that turn breathtaking colors each fall. In this episode, we explore the park's ancient geological and human history, hike to the top of Hallaway Hill for sweeping views, wander the shores of South Lida Lake, take in the historic Maplewood Church, and discover why this park is a destination for hikers, anglers, birders, and equestrians alike. We also highlight nearby destinations including Glendalough State Park, Inspiration Peak, and Phelps Mill County Park, plus local dining favorites Taqueria Chavez and Big John's Pelican Pizza in Pelican Rapids. Learn more and find gear recommendations at NorthStarTravelers.com.

    12 min

  4. Jun 8

    Walker Art Center: Where Contemporary Art Meets the Heart of the City

    The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis is one of the most celebrated contemporary art museums in the United States -- a dynamic cultural hub where groundbreaking visual art, live performance, film, and design come together under one roof. From its roots as a lumber baron's private gallery in 1879 to its striking modern campus anchored by the beloved Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the Walker has shaped the creative identity of the Twin Cities for well over a century. In this episode, we step inside to explore the galleries, the architecture, the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, and everything that makes the Walker a one-of-a-kind destination. Visit NorthStarTravelers.com to find gear recommendations and explore our other travel podcast shows from around the world.

    11 min

  5. Jun 1

    Ely, MN -- Gateway to the Boundary Waters: Minnesota's Wildest Small Town

    Ely, Minnesota sits at the end of the road in the northeastern corner of the state -- and that's exactly the point. This small town of around 3,000 people is the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of the most spectacular and protected wild places in America. In this episode, we explore Ely's dramatic history as an iron mining hub, its transformation into a world-class wilderness destination, its legendary wildlife centers, and the restaurants, shops, and lodges that make it one of Minnesota's most beloved towns year-round. Whether you're paddling into the BWCAW or just passing through, Ely has a way of getting under your skin. Visit NorthStarTravelers.com for gear recommendations and more podcast shows.

    16 min

  6. May 25

    Gooseberry Falls State Park: The Thundering Gateway to the North Shore

    Just northeast of Two Harbors along the storied shores of Lake Superior, Gooseberry Falls State Park stands as the grand entrance to Minnesota's legendary North Shore. In this episode, we explore five spectacular waterfalls carved through billion-year-old basalt, the remarkable Depression-era stonework of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the forest trails that wind through one of Minnesota's most beloved destination parks. Whether you're chasing the spring roar of snowmelt crashing through the gorge, hunting for Lake Superior agates on the rocky shoreline, or simply standing in the mist of the Middle Falls on a summer afternoon, Gooseberry delivers something rare -- a place that rewards every visitor, every season. Learn more and find gear for your next adventure at NorthStarTravelers.com.

    16 min

  7. May 18

    Mille Lacs Lake: Minnesota's Legendary Walleye Factory

    Mille Lacs Lake is one of Minnesota's most iconic destinations -- a vast, 132,000-acre body of water in the heart of the state that has drawn anglers, adventurers, and families for generations. In this episode, we explore everything that makes Mille Lacs special: its deep Indigenous roots, the communities that grew up along its shores, world-class fishing for walleye and smallmouth bass, two beautiful state parks, the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, the scenic byway that circles the entire lake, and the unique winter world of ice fishing at "Frostbite Flats." Whether you're planning your first visit or your fiftieth, Mille Lacs always has something new to offer. Learn more and plan your trip at NorthStarTravelers.com.

    15 min

  8. May 11

    Discovering Jeffers Petroglyphs | Minnesota Explorer

    In this episode of Minnesota Explorer, we travel to Jeffers Petroglyphs — one of the most extraordinary andleast-known historic sites in Minnesota. Located near Comfrey in southwest Minnesota, Jeffers is home to nearly 2,000 ancient rock carvings etched into Sioux quartzite by the ancestors of today's Native American peoples, with somecarvings dating back more than 7,000 years. We cover everything you need to plan a visit: how to get there, the best time of day to see the carvings, guided tour options, admission prices, seasonal hours, and the fascinatingspiritual and archaeological history of this sacred site. We also explore nearby attractions including Pipestone National Monument and the charming German heritage town of New Ulm, plus local dining and lodging tips for making it a full weekend trip. If you love history, road trips, and discovering the unexpected in Minnesota, this episode is for you. Learn more and find travel resources at MinnesotaExplorer.com.

    15 min
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About

From the boundary waters to the bluffs of the Mississippi, Minnesota is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Join us each week as we venture off the beaten path to uncover the stories, people, and places that make the Land of 10,000 Lakes unlike anywhere else. Whether you're a lifelong Minnesotan or just passing through, there's always something new to explore.

Information

  • Creator
    Minnesota Explorers
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Minnesota Explorers
  • Show Website
    Minnesota Explorer

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