Outdoors

As mountain biking booms in Minnesota, pro builders help meet the demand for trails
Minnesota is in the midst of a mountain bike trail-building boom. In just the past few years, more than 100 miles of single-track trails have been built in the northeastern corner of the state. And as the trail mileage has grown, so have the number of niche companies that have sprouted up to build them.
Red means go! Minnesota's fall colors start to burst
It’s not even October but Minnesota’s landscape is already flashing some big color. Corners of far northern Minnesota are already approaching their peak or are close to it. Here’s the latest from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Rugged terrain lures mountain bikers to northeastern Minnesota's booming trails
The Split Rock Wilds mountain bike trail officially opens this weekend, traversing about 20 miles of rugged terrain along the North Shore of Lake Superior. It’s just the latest among a burgeoning network of 250 miles of trails in northeastern Minnesota that’s transforming the region into a mountain biking destination.
Orange you happy it's leaf-peeping season? Where to find fall colors this weekend
It's still too early to see the most vibrant shades, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. But portions of northwestern Minnesota are between 25 percent and 50 percent peak.
Adventure sports like mountain biking and climbing are all the rage right now. In Duluth, the city has invested in new bike and ski trails and an ice climbing park. Even as the state grows more diverse, however, those sports remain overwhelmingly white. But groups in Duluth are working to change that. 
With food scarce amid drought, bear sightings on the rise in Minnesota
Due to the drought encompassing much of Minnesota this year, natural food sources are harder to find. Bear sightings have been common across the state, as the opportunistic creatures take advantage of backyard bird feeders and other readily available food sources.