Sure, Minnesota is famous for its 10,000 lakes, but the state offers plenty more outdoor greatness to explore. And because June is Great Outdoors Month, the Prime Team wants to share its favorite (mostly state-based) nature-loving moments and open-air havens. Reach out on social media and tell us about your own moments, memories, and traditions in the great outdoors.

MARK

I love to explore the North Shore along Lake Superior with family and friends. We enjoy camping, hiking, biking, and kayaking. The air is so clean and the water so clear!

LEX

For one week each year in August, we get away to Gull Lake. It is a great time for our family to be together and reset before the kids go back to school.

SUSAN

Summer sewing at Splithand Lake in Itasca County. Craft tables on wheels are the best.

ALAINA

Stopping to explore the island of St. Maarten during our Caribbean Cruise on Oasis of the Seas. You can see the giant ship in the background!

SARA

It’s camping season! I camp several times a year with my son’s Boy Scout Troop, including a week at Many Point Scout Camp in Ponsford, Minnesota.

BRIAN

One of the nearby places we frequent is the off-leash dog park near the Crow-Hassan Park Reserve. It’s a great area with plenty of trails that run along the Crow River.

SHAUNA

Pelican Lake is a favorite place for my family to spend time together boating, jet skiing, kayaking, swimming, and just being away from the city and our busy schedules. I love when the water is calm and clear – it creates instant relaxation and appreciation for the stillness.

BRENNA

My favorite outdoor activity is spending time on the water at my parents’ house on Cross Lake. I grew up slalom skiing and just recently got into wake surfing.

ALLISON

My favorite place is Lake Vermilion, but really any lake with my dogs and my husband.

MELISSA

When I think of the greatness of being outdoors, my brain instantly pictures Grand Marais. Nestled along Lake Superior on Minnesota’s North Shore, the city was voted “America’s Coolest Small Town” in 2015. My preferred vacation destination, Grand Marais offers breathtaking scenery, countless hiking trails, and photo opportunities at every turn. Our dogs love spending time there, too.

KENZIE

Of all the places I’ve been to all around the globe, my absolute favorite place is in Minnesota: Palisade Head. It’s a gorgeous cliff up north that overlooks Lake Superior. It’s a peaceful place where you can go to clear your mind, and the view actually takes your breath away. (If you look closely at the picture, you can find me enjoying the view!!)

KATIE

Our family enjoys spending time at my parents’ cabin in Park Rapids, including visiting the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi River in Itasca State Park.  We are also excited for a return visit to the Black Hills in August.

KRYSTA

I love to travel and explore the world hiking! One of my recent trips and now by far my favorite hiking spot was Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.