Favorite Places for Outdoor Recreation in the Area

3.

"I love this park because it feels like an escape from the city. Thanks to the amazing volunteers, the trails stay well-maintained, even throughout the winter. You can hike, bike, run, and ski, and many of the trails are wide enough for a stroller."

"I live in Moorhead, so I love starting a run or bike at Gooseberry—the mountain bike trails are so fun—and looping over to Lindenwood. Sometimes I'll go into the park and other times I'll head north to the dike. We have so many beautiful trail options."

"This is a little outside of the city, but worth the hour drive. I can't believe I grew up here and had no idea this gorgeous place existed. There are incredible hiking and mountain biking trails, and a few basic campsites. The landscape is spectacular!"

"Also a little outside of Fargo, Detroit Mountain is about 45 minutes from the city and an absolute gem in the region. The little mountain offers year-round activities from downhill skiing and cross-country skiing, to hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Coming from the rugged mountain biking trails of Montana, I wasn't sure what Minnesota could offer, but let me tell you: these trails are legit. They were designed by experts flown in from out of state and they are so fun! Bring your own gear or rent it at the mountain."

As a mother in a young family, what are some places in the metro that other families should know about?

1. "I'm going to let you in on a secret: the downtown skyway is a gold mine for young kids, especially on the weekends. It's a quarter mile one way (from the Black building to the Civic Center) and kids can run free without running into anyone or knocking anything over. One time, we saw somebody playing fetch with their dog. I don't think this is allowed, but my son loved it!"

2. "The river trail by the city hall is another great place to let the kids run or ride bikes. It's separated from the busy street by a retaining wall and you're sure to see some birds and maybe a kayaker or two."

3. "Need a coffee break and a way to corral your kids? Twenty Below in Moorhead has a great kids area that is barricaded off from the general space. Caffeine + indoor playground = win."

1. 3.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, GET GOOD FOOTWEAR.

"Whether it's summer or winter, your feet need to be taken care of. I like Chacos in the summer because they have good traction and stay tight on the feet (which prevents blisters). In the winter I go for waterproof tennis shoes or Mukluk boots, the warmest boots on earth."

Pick A Backpack That You Like To Wear While Hiking Or Biking

"It should be big enough to carry water, snacks, and layers, but not so big that it's bulky and you'll get sick of it after a short time. There are so many brands and options, and you don't need an expensive model, so choose one that works for you. How many pockets do you need? Do you want a water reservoir? It's very important to try a backpack on, so if possible, try it on and purchase it in person."

2. 4.

DRESS IN LAYERS.

"You don't need the fanciest, most expensive gear, but prepare for the elements so you can stay outside longer. Base layer (tank top in the summer, wicking long sleeve in the winter) and then a top layer that can repel wind or water. If you're going for a sweatshirt, choose something lightweight that you can tie around your waist or stuff in a backpack. "

SNACKS!

"Never leave home without healthy snacks. Avoid food that is high in sugar so you don't crash, and aim for all-natural choices. CLIFF Bars and Luna Bars are my go-to options when I am lazy—they taste fine, not great, and are kind of expensive. When I plan ahead, I pack nuts and dried fruit, or tortillas with peanut butter and bananas. "