Located about 50 miles west of Minneapolis, the city of Cokato, MN, is an excellent spot for anyone wanting to explore the urban areas and beautiful nature reserves that Minnesota has to offer. Whether you are looking for museums and cultural centers to learn about the region’s history or expansive nature reserves to go on scenic drives in your shiny new 2022 Ford Explorer, these are some wonderful day trips you can go on with your friends or family.
1. Minneapolis
Featuring plenty of small lakes, waterfalls, creeks, and parks, the city of Minneapolis is the most popular urban destination among residents of Cokato and other nearby towns. Home to almost four million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, Minneapolis is known for its diverse population, its expansive green areas, and its booming cultural and gastronomic scene. Getting to downtown Minneapolis from Cokato takes about an hour by car, driving along route US-12.
Once you make your way to the city center, one of the best ways to start exploring is by going for a walk around the Central Minneapolis district, where you can find landmarks including Government Center Park, the Mill City Night Market, and The Commons; an urban park and cultural hub that regularly hosts sports events and local fairs. Other popular attractions in the city include the Mall of America, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Walker Art Center.
2. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Spanning over 10,000 acres along the southern shores of Mille Lacs Lake, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is a well-known nature escape among Cokato locals. This place is an excellent spot for plenty of outdoor sports and activities, including cross-country skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Home to plenty of species of waterfowl, bald eagles, deer, beaver, and coyotes, this state park is also a great spot for wildlife watching and photography.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is located a little under 100 miles north of downtown Cokato, making it possible to reach it in about one hour and 45 minutes, driving along route US-169. Besides being a popular spot for outdoor recreational activities, this nature reserve is also home to 19 different archaeological sites dating back to the Archaic period, making it an interesting spot for anyone wanting to learn more about the history of the area.
3. Lake Maria State Park
Boasting some of the most photogenic autumn landscapes in the entire state of Minnesota, Lake Maria State Park is another top-rated destination for nature lovers and photographers. Covering an area of almost 1,500 acres, this state park was established in 1963 and is a great place for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Located about 28 miles northeast of downtown Cokato, Lake Maria State Park can be reached in about 30 minutes by car along County Road 37.
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