It’s not hard to find beautiful views on short hikes in MN, but sometimes more interesting than just a simple nature walk is being able to explore the fascinating history of our home state. This short, easy hike not only provides great views of nature, but also tells a story from Minnesota’s past and lets you experience it firsthand. It reminds us all to take some time to appreciate the work that people have done in prior generations to give us the life, and state, we love so much!

This short trail can be found in Old Mill State Park, in the upper Northwest of Minnesota.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Entering this truly beautiful historic park is like taking a trip back in time.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
With about a mile of walking you can see the most interesting historical sites including the Old Mill, which dates back to the late 1800s, and was rebuilt for the last time in 1958. It is still fired up once a year as part of the interpretive park programs.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
You'll also pass the nearby settlers cabin, which was moved here to give you a glimpse into life of the past. It has items from a pioneer family and a small garden.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

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Another epic part of the park is the water tower, left from an old WPA project.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
There are also stone remnants of a WPA dam that collapsed after all the years left without being maintained.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The trails will also take you by the beautiful Middle River, surrounded by pines planted with seeds carried over by settler Lars Larsen from Sweden.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The area is adjacent to the Pembina Trail, where fur traders would travel to the Northwest.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

And if you’re looking for more historic places in Minnesota, check out these old towns.

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