Get your adrenaline rush

Minnesota state parks and trails aren't often associated with extreme sports and adventure, but in fact, there are lots of activities for people looking to enjoy a more exhilarating, heart pumping experience. Dive deep, climb high, or shoot the rapids...there are some great adventures to be had out there! Here are a few of our favorites:

Scuba Diving

State map showing where this park is located.Cuyuna Country State Park
Portsmouth Mine Pit is 352 feet deep and very clear. Great for scuba newbies.

State map showing where this park is located.Silver Bay Marina
See a sunken wreck from 1905!

State map showing where this park is located. Gooseberry Falls State Park
Dive down to see debris remaining from the logging era of the early 1900s.

State map showing where this park is located.Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Most people know how lovely this park is above water, but few have discovered its beauty hidden below the surface.

Rock Climbing

State map showing where this park is located.Blue Mounds State Park
Various spots offer excellent climbing opportunities—you can see for miles.

State map showing where this park is located.Interstate State Park
Beautiful climbs cover a wide variety of levels for both traditional and top roping.

State map showing where this park is located.Temperance River State Park
These challenging climbs are not for beginners, and safer to experience with a partner - so grab a friend!

State map showing where this park is located.Tettegouche State Park
There is no easy way to get out...except for up!

Not a climber yet? Learn how, at an I Can Climb! workshop this summer.

Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking

State map showing where this park is located.Banning State Park and the Kettle River
Check out the turbulent rapids at Blueberry Slide and Hell's Gate.

State map showing where this park is located.Jay Cooke State Park and the St. Louis River
Enjoy the exhilaration and thrill of nature's powerful forces.

State map showing where this park is located.Snake River
Easy rapids climbing to a class IV for the expert.

State map showing where this park is located.Vermilion River
The river offers levels for beginners through experts.

Not a paddler yet? Learn how, at an I Can Paddle! workshop this summer.