See A Beautiful Lake, Wildlife, And More When You Hike The 2-Mile Dr. Roberts Trail In Minnesota
By Betsy Rathburn|Published June 23, 2021
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Minnesota is home to many beautiful trails. Some lead to waterfalls, while others lead through forests, along riverbanks, and into grassy prairies. And some, like the one we’d like to introduce today, takes visitors along a gorgeous Minnesota, along rows of wildflowers, and through a forest teeming with wildlife. If that sounds interesting to you, read on below to learn about the Dr. Roberts Trail at Itasca State Park in Minnesota.
The Dr. Roberts Trail is a 1.9-mile loop trail in northern Minnesota. It’s found within the boundaries of Itasca State Park, and it’s popular among park visitors. If you’re already in the park to visit the Mississippi Headwaters, you might as well check out this trail!
There’s plenty to see along the way. An old-fashioned cabin - called the Old Timbers Cabin - stands along the trail. Built in the 1930s, the log cabin ins an interesting piece of history within Itasca State Park.
Beyond the cabin, there’s plenty of natural scenery to trek through. The Dr. Roberts Trail is made up gravel, grass, and a wooden boardwalk. Parts are hilly, so be sure to wear clothes suitable to hiking in this terrain.
Along the way, you’re likely to spot plenty of interesting natural specimens. Many people enjoy this trail for the plentiful wildflowers that grow along its edges, including several types of lady’s slipper flowers.
Wildlife has also been spotted on the Dr. Roberts Trail. Birds and insects are easy to find. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a white-tailed deer darting among the trees.
One of the most popular parts of the trail is a ridge over the gorgeous Leyendecker Lake. The lake’s sparkling waters, surrounded by thick northern Minnesota forest, is nothing short of breathtaking.
If you’re looking for an interesting trail to hike in northern Minnesota, consider the Dr. Roberts Trail. It’s full of history, wildlife, and beautiful lake views!