Minnesota is known for it’s diversity in seasons, landscapes, species and wildflowers! Late spring is my favorite time of year to hike because of the bright colors and lack of mosquitoes. No matter where you are in Minnesota, there are dozens of different places and ways to enjoy the spring time wildflowers! Save this post for your next wildflower excursion!
1. Wildflower Sanctuary in Grand Marais, MN
Off of the famous Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway is the Devil’s Tracks Wildflower Sanctuary near Grand Marais, MN. This privately maintained sanctuary is home to lupines, New England Aster’s, Ironweed, Marsh Marigolds, Ferns, Columbines and also features a rain garden. There is a trail you can stroll that goes along the Devil’s Track River. It is free to visit.
2. Berry & Bloom Farm in Chatfield, MN
Chatfield (minutes away from Rochester) is home to the famous Berry & Bloom Farm. This slice of heaven is a U-pick activity, featuring fields of wildflowers, and later on, sunflowers. They also can host events (like bouquet making classes), photo shoots and they have a blueberry field.
3. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN
https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretumIf you are looking for a guaranteed opportunity to enjoy diverse wildflower species, check out the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. You can cruise the 3 mile drive, or walk the gorgeous garden grounds. The arboretum features 600 acres of diverse flowers & faunas, terrace gardens, Dahlia Trail, Fern Walk, Dayton Wildflower Garden, Rose Garden, Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden and more!
4. Kaplan’s Woods in Owatonna, MN
Kaplans Woods Parkway has over 6 miles of trails, many of them near the Straight River. Some of my favorite wildflowers to see here are the White Trout Lilies, Danity Violets, Hillside Widlflowers and Goldenrods. This park is heavily wooded and there are also several mountain biking trails here.
5. Carley State Park in Plainview, MN
Carley State Park is known for it’s unique river crossing, glacial remnants, overviews & of course, wildflowers! Visitors especially frequent spring time at the park for the hundreds of Bluebells that bloom here each year. Early May is the best time to go to see the carpet of Virginia Blue Bells along the Wildflower Trail.
6. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
When people hear about Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, they are most likely thinking about the Hidden Falls. However, this magical state park also is home to hundreds of wildflowers that carpet the forest. The Endangered Dwarf Trout Lily is always an attraction for visitors hiking the many trails here. They also have Triliums, Columbine, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Hepatica, Ferns and Marsh Marigolds.
7. Riverbend Nature Center in Faribault, MN
The Riverbend Nature Center is filled with dozens of trails that weave through prairie land, but also through the forest near the river. The Prairie Trail especially is known for all the golden wildflowers that pop up throughout the late spring and summer time. They are also home to the Endangered Dwarf Trout Lily, and marsh lands with frequent wild life sightings.
8. Kadunce Wayside in Colvill, MN
One of my favorite hiking trails is the Kadunce River Wayside Trail, a round trip distance of 1.2 miles. This trail starts near Lake Superior & follows the Kadunce River. There are waterfalls throughout the hike, and wildflowers line the edges of the trail. We love that it’s an easy hike for the kids, and that it brings us back to the gorgeous Paradise Beach, one of our favorite spots along the North Shore of Lake Superior.
9. Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne, MN
Blue Mounds State Park is famous for it’s 100 feet Sioux Quartzlite Cliffs, and bison herds in the prairie lands. You can find prickly pear cactus during June, and Asters, Black-Eyed-Susans, Sunflowers, Cone Flowers and Compass plants here. They also have an incredible campground, and tepees available to rent if you are looking for a unique stay.
10. Whitewater State Park in Altura, MN
Whitewater State Park has it all- gorgeous rivers with trout and river tubing options, a swimming beach, a fire tower and tons of hiking trails with scenic overlooks of the bluffs. One of my favorite features of Whitewater State Park is the abundance of wildflowers. And trust me, they are every where! Near the beach, the fields, meadows, woods- they completely thrive here. Examples of wildflowers you can enjoy are False Rue Anemone, Hepatica, Marsh Marigold, Wild Leek and Pasque Flowers.
Comments +