Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Minnesota
Why Minnesota Works for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Minnesota ranks #11 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, offering strong outdoor access alongside reasonable livability. The outdoor access score of 31/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. 10.9% public land offers some options, though dedicated outdoor enthusiasts may find themselves driving to reach prime terrain.
Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Minnesota's environment score of 51/100 is middling — air quality (AQI: 36) is moderate, though environmental policy could be stronger. Natural disaster risk is low, meaning fewer disruptions to outdoor plans.
The practical side: average living costs (index: 98) keep outdoor lifestyles manageable. Safety (73/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (90/100) supports an active lifestyle with good access to sports medicine and emergency care.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # | City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts Score | Overall | Outdoor Access | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plymouth | A+ | 58.2 | 68.9 | 31 | 51 | 94 | 77,638 |
| 2 | Eden Prairie | A+ | 57.9 | 70.0 | 31 | 51 | 93 | 63,249 |
| 3 | Lakeville | A+ | 57.3 | 70.9 | 31 | 51 | 96 | 76,235 |
| 4 | Maple Grove | A+ | 56.8 | 65.7 | 31 | 51 | 87 | 71,275 |
| 5 | Edina | A+ | 56.6 | 68.1 | 31 | 51 | 88 | 53,125 |
| 6 | Minnetonka | A+ | 56.6 | 67.4 | 31 | 51 | 89 | 53,256 |
| 7 | Woodbury | A+ | 56.4 | 65.8 | 31 | 51 | 93 | 79,530 |
| 8 | Rochester | A | 54.0 | 60.7 | 31 | 51 | 85 | 122,404 |
| 9 | Blaine | A | 53.8 | 62.0 | 31 | 51 | 89 | 73,762 |
| 10 | St. Louis Park | A | 53.5 | 62.9 | 31 | 51 | 72 | 49,541 |
| 11 | Eagan | A | 53.2 | 61.2 | 31 | 51 | 86 | 67,401 |
| 12 | Apple Valley | B+ | 51.4 | 59.8 | 31 | 51 | 78 | 55,696 |
| 13 | Coon Rapids | B+ | 51.3 | 57.8 | 31 | 51 | 84 | 63,348 |
| 14 | Bloomington | B+ | 50.7 | 57.5 | 31 | 51 | 58 | 87,378 |
| 15 | Burnsville | B+ | 50.4 | 57.3 | 31 | 51 | 76 | 64,295 |
| 16 | Brooklyn Park | B+ | 50.1 | 57.8 | 31 | 51 | 62 | 82,027 |
| 17 | Duluth | B | 50.0 | 53.5 | 31 | 51 | 68 | 87,693 |
| 18 | St. Cloud | C | 47.8 | 49.6 | 31 | 51 | 59 | 68,399 |
| 19 | St. Paul | C+ | 47.1 | 52.6 | 31 | 51 | 44 | 303,827 |
| 20 | Minneapolis | C+ | 43.0 | 50.3 | 31 | 51 | 5 | 425,142 |