Top 5 Minnesota Adventure Tours: Reviews & Recommendations

Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is more than just a pretty face, as a matter of fact it offers up a buffet of experiences for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts, so whether you’re into paddling down winding rivers or hiking through the north woods, you can bet there’s a tour with your name all over it. We’ve put together a list of the top five Minnesota adventure tours to show you the best the state has to offer, basically taking into account excitement, how well the tour is put together, and just how uniquely Minnesotan it feels. This is like your guide to making memories that will last, as I was saying helping you see a different side of the North Star State, that is so much more than just what meets the eye.

1. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) Guided Canoe Trips

For those aiming for an iconic Minnesota experience, it’s almost hard to top a guided canoe trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. As a matter of fact this sprawling wilderness of interconnected lakes and portages is ripe for exploration, basically offering a mix of adventure and tranquility you won’t soon forget. Many outfitters based in towns such as Ely and Grand Marais provide fully guided trips, yet they handle everything from permits to meal preparation, typically letting you totally concentrate on the incredible views and the soothing rhythm of your paddle.

Picture yourself gliding across a pristine lake at sunrise, with mist gently rising off the water that might be the most memorable thing you’ve ever experienced. Keep in mind that these guided tours cater to different experience levels, so it makes planning easier, alright even those brand new to canoeing can take part in the magic of the Boundary Waters. Expect to see plenty of wildlife, from bald eagles soaring overhead to moose grazing along the shoreline; at the end of the day every moment brings you closer to nature’s heart.

One outfitter with consistently great reviews is the Canoe Country Outfitters. Like your typical reviews usually praise their knowledgeable guides, very top-notch equipment, and their commitment to sustainable tourism. A five-day trip with them typically might set you back around $1200 per person, yet consider the level of support and expertise you are getting. Another thing to keep in mind is that it usually helps if your whole travel group works as a team, I mean that you will get the most out of this. You can choose them or many of the area experts to get on the water for a fantastic Minnesota memory.

Read our full review: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Canoe Country Outfitters)

2. Voyageurs National Park Boat Tours

Up in the northern reaches of Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park stands as a gem, it’s almost perfect for discovery by water, for example offering guided boat tours, like your average alternative to exploring the park’s labyrinthine waterways. So it can be difficult to decide where to go.

Park rangers lead a number of boat trips focusing on the natural and cultural past of the region. These tours range from a pair of hours investigating the history of the voyaguers – the intrepid French-Canadian fur traders – to longer excursions reaching far corners of the park. What might be one of your top experiences, in general is getting insight into the region’s ecology and viewing wildlife such as loons, beavers, and maybe the hard-to-spot gray wolf.

The National Park Service gives an array of excursions depending on the time of year, that’s usually worth taking. Their two-hour “Voyageurs Story” tour starts at around $30 for people, so consider this especially when figuring out what trip to pursue. One guest called the trip very eye-opening,” commenting, “the park ranger genuinely made the historical past come to life.” In a way you can go and enjoy Minnesota from an unique view point, and go out on the water.

Read our full review: Voyageurs National Park Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (National Park Service Tours)

3. Whitewater Rafting on the St. Louis River

Did you know, closer to Duluth, the St. Louis River gives you a surprising whitewater rafting option. As a matter of fact after its recovery from decades of business pollution, the river now boasts sections of exciting Class III and IV rapids. You have various organizations providing guided rafting tours for differing talent levels. They let everyone safely participate in the action of this adrenaline-pumping tour.

Visualize yourself battling against the rapids, so with your group pulling together to maneuver over the roaring waters. Keep in mind experienced publications give all the gear and instruction needed to conquer the river, to make the experience one to cherish and keep in mind. This is the experience to pursue if your trying to find the excitement, from an unlikely place.

One popular choice is Swiftwater Adventures, often commended because of their expert and personable publications. As I was saying full-day rafting journeys usually price around $150 in line with man or woman. You could find an adventure not like any other to try out Minnesota’s natural resources. People raved about how fun the class III & IV rapids were, usually the thrill being so much more near civilization like this. Do your travel crew a favor, come whitewater rafting.

Read our full review: Whitewater Rafting on the St. Louis River Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Swiftwater Adventures)

4. Mississippi River Kayak Tours

Think about seeing the Mighty Mississippi from a totally distinctive angle, as a matter of fact a kayak. Numerous outfitters, particularly in the Twin Cities metro area, so guide kayaking trips on segments of the Mississippi River. It helps to consider which is for you.

Paddle beyond the downtown Minneapolis skyline or explore the river’s calmer backwaters; very tours normally range in length and problem, catering to various skill levels. It might also allow you to view wildlife, together with bald eagles, herons, or perhaps muskrats. So you and a couple of your friends should check out the scenic perspectives.

One extraordinarily endorsed option is Above the Falls Sports, because of their skilled books and their dedication to imparting informative and enjoyable excursions. Half-day tours usually begin at round $60 in keeping with character. As I was saying, the publications will share their knowledge concerning the records and ecology of the river. Consider Above the Falls Sports for that memorable journey, while planning your kayaking journey.

Read our full review: Mississippi River Kayak Tours Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Above the Falls Sports)

5. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Mountain Biking

If you’re craving an adventure on two wheels, consider heading to the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, because of this mountain biker’s paradise. This park was born out of former iron mining land, that is a stunning community of vibrant crimson lakes and towering red rock cliffs; as a matter of fact it includes greater than 25 miles of world-class mountain bike trails. You will usually discover tours to match your taste with an entire lot of diverse troubles from easy routes for novices to hard technical sections for pro riders, to create the journey catered to you.

Consider yourself biking along a winding trail, very views on all sides, usually with crimson earth below your wheels. Remember, many neighborhood shops offer motorbike leases and guided tours of the area, like your chance to surely recognize this unique landscape. In that case Cuyuna gives a biking enjoyment unlike every other, or one can make you scream for more.

Red Raven Bike Cafe is extraordinarily advocated for Cuyuna, MN mountain biking trips, clearly offering rentals, upkeep, and trip publications; arguably a place for people of biking and trail data. You know, half-day excursions price around $80 per individual. Reviews very frequently praise the cafe’s supportive personnel. To explain this location is for everyone from the ones simply beginning to seasoned riders, for you to make lifelong memories. Be a part of Cuyuna because it gives some of the very best, and unique outside mountain cycling that could stay on your mind.

Read our full review: Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Red Raven Bike Cafe)