Slot canyons in the city? Ice climbing at night? This guide highlights 10 ‘secret’ local adventures in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

GearJunkie is headquartered in the urban core of Minneapolis. Living and working in the city can pose a challenge for our gear testers and the outdoors-minded staff. But the Minneapolis area is blessed with parks, trails, wilderness, and an active community that embraces the outdoors year-round.
As a part of a project with Eddie Bauer — a brand with 400 stores nationwide set to outfit adventures small or big — the ‘Live Your Local Adventure’ Tour highlights urban adventures and accessible outdoor places near home. The tour is set to visit six U.S. cities, where we’ll meet readers, find local beta, and head out to explore.
This guide highlights 10 (somewhat) secret area adventures where the staff of GearJunkie tromps, trains, and tests equipment from the July heat to the depths of a January freeze. Here’s what we do in Minneapolis.
1) Unusual Hike: Slot Canyon
Just minutes from the MSP international airport you can find a taste of canyoneering. Head to Crosby Farm Regional Park along the Mississippi River in St. Paul. Hike east toward Crosby Lake. A singletrack trail skirts the edge of the bluff. Continue to hike east a few hundred feet. Where it crosses a creek (dry bed many months) look uphill to find the massive, pinching sedimentary cliffs. Hike up the creek bed and into the mouth of a high canyon with sheer walls and a waterfall at the top.

2) Swimming For A Thrill: ‘Bomb’ The Minnehaha Creek
3) Frozen Ascents: Urban Ice Climbing

4) Map & Compass: Go Orienteering
5) ‘Pirate’ Trail Running
6) Street Scene: Alleycat Bike Race
7) MTB City Singletrack

8) Want Nature? Head To The ‘Refuge’
9) Cold Plunge: Ice Swimming
