One of the best ways to enjoy the limited warm weather months we see in Minnesota is to head outdoors for a meal or two. Sometimes it’s enough to sit in the backyard or walk to the nearest park but on the days when you’re craving not only food but breathtaking Minnesota scenery to go with it, then you’ll want to check out these epic picnic spots.

  1. A quick walk in Minneapolis will get you to the Loring Greenway, an urban picnic paradise.

Loring Greenway Association

  1. Night or day Nicollet island offers a quiet getaway from downtown Minneapolis and some phenomenal river views.

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  1. Como Park has everything you could ever want in St. Paul with scenery and activities for the whole family.

Flickr/Michael Hicks

  1. With the many rolling hills of Sibley State Park around you, any spot is perfect to drop a blanket.

Flickr/Greg Gjerdingen

  1. Sit atop Barn Bluff to see Red Wing unfold below you while you snack.

Flickr/Scott Costello

  1. Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center offers great views along the river as well as a beautiful apple orchard.

Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center

  1. At Interstate State Park you can skip the tables and find your own lookout spot on the cliffs for some extra special scenery.

Flickr/Tony Webster

  1. Catch the spectacular views above Duluth on the road or a quick hike away from Skyline Parkway.

Flickr/David Scaglione

  1. The Rose Garden in Duluth is another great place to have a memorable meal with fantastic views of Superior.

Flickr/Sharon Mollerus

  1. Hike up Eagle Mountain to find some truly unique views to go with your lunch.

Flickr/Justin Meissen

  1. Grand Portage State Park may be the furthest drive but the falls offer a picnic spot like no other.

Flickr/Andy Tinkham

  1. Minnehaha Falls Park is an oldie but a goodie and everyone will love seeing the falls after you eat.

Flickr Jason Riedy

  1. And if you still aren’t satisfied, you can always find a nice beach or dock on any of Minnesota’s fantastic lakes and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

Flickr/goblinbox_

Picnics are fun for any group at any age, so pack up your basket and go take advantage of the summer because come that frigid Minnesota winter, you’ll be sorry you missed out on these sunny summer meals.

Loring Greenway Association

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Flickr/Michael Hicks

Flickr/Greg Gjerdingen

Flickr/Scott Costello

Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center

Flickr/Tony Webster

Flickr/David Scaglione

Flickr/Sharon Mollerus

Flickr/Justin Meissen

Flickr/Andy Tinkham

Flickr Jason Riedy

Flickr/goblinbox_

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