Minnesota Explorer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Mill City Museum in Minneapolis — built inside the ruins of the world's largest flour mill. From the 1878 explosion that killed 18 workers to the rise of Gold Medal Flour and Betty Crocker, this episode explores the fascinating history behind Minnesota's Mill City. Plan your visit at MinnesotaExplorer.com.

Explore Lanesboro, Minnesota — the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Minnesota. Discover the Root River State Trail, Commonweal Theatre, Amish tours, local restaurants, festivals, and the best places to stay in Minnesota's Driftless bluff country. Plan your visit at MinnesotaExplorer.com.

Elm Creek Park Reserve is the largest park in the Three Rivers Park District — nearly 5,000 acres of forests, wetlands, restored prairie, and some of the best trails in the Twin Cities metro. In this episode of Minnesota Explorer, we explore everything Elm Creek has to offer across all four seasons, from 19 miles of paved bike trails and a 13-mile mountain bike singletrack system to championship disc golf, a sand beach swim pond, and a world-class winter recreation area with snowtubing, cross-country skiing, and even snowmaking.We dig into the park's fascinating history — how a visionary park district raced suburban sprawl in the 1950s to preserve this land, the Swiss pioneer settlers who farmed here long before it became a park, the glacial forces that shaped the landscape, and the remarkable story of Whitney H. Eastman, the birdwatcher and civic champion who helped fund and name the nature center that anchors the park today.Whether you're planning your first visit or you've been coming here for years, this episode is packed with trail tips, seasonal highlights, hidden gems, lodging options, and nearby attractions to round out your trip.🎧 New episodes every week — follow Minnesota Explorer so you never miss a destination.📍 Find trail maps, gear picks, and more at MinnesotaExplorer.comIn this episode:Where Elm Creek is located and how to get thereThe history of Three Rivers Park District and how Elm Creek was preservedBest hikes, bike trails, and equestrian routesSwimming, disc golf, and the off-leash dog areaWinter recreation: skiing, snowtubing, snowshoeing, and skijoringWildlife watching and birding highlightsCamper cabins and overnight optionsWhere to stay near the park in Maple Grove and RogersNearby attractions including Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and Omni Brewing

Discover Itasca State Park — home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River and the oldest state park in Minnesota. In this episode of Minnesota Explorer, we explore the park's remarkable history, from the 1832 Schoolcraft expedition and the Ojibwe people who knew these waters long before him, to the conservation battles that saved one of the great north woods forests from the logging era. We cover the best hikes, scenic drives through old-growth pine, paddling on Lake Itasca, wildlife watching, and the iconic experience of stepping across the Mississippi's source on foot. Whether you're planning a summer camping trip, a stay at the historic Douglas Lodge, or a quiet winter getaway on groomed ski trails, this episode has everything you need to make the most of your visit. Find travel tips, gear recommendations, and more at MinnesotaExplorer.com.

Minnesota Explorer is your guide to the people, places, and history that make Minnesota worth exploring. Each episode travels to a different destination — from state parks and scenic lakes to historic sites and hidden gems — delivering the kind of rich, story-driven insights that turn a simple stop into something memorable. Whether you're planning your next trip or already on the road, Minnesota Explorer fits your pace and your curiosity. Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode, and visit MinnesotaExplorer.com for hand-picked places to explore and gear recommendations that help keep the show going.