The Saint Paul-Minneapolis area in east central Minnesota is a large metropolitan region located in a stunning natural setting. There are many places within a one-hour drive of St. Paul and Minneapolis where you can enjoy landscape photography, including mountains, lakes, cities, towns, forests and river bluffs. The beauty of natural and urban elements makes for captivating photographs.
Indian Mounds Park offers clear views of downtown Saint Paul, as well as the Mississippi River, Saint Paul Downtown Airport, the river bluffs and the Minneapolis skyline. The park features hills and scenic overlooks, as well as a myriad of clear, treeless areas, all of which offer unobstructed vistas for landscape photography. The park is open year-round from sunrise to 11 p.m.
Indian Mounds Park
10 Mounds Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55106
651-632-5111
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in Stillwater offers exceptional shots of the majestic bluffs along the St. Croix River Valley, as well as views of the historic downtown of Stillwater. There are several scenic overlooks where you have superlative photo opportunities of two states (Minnesota and Wisconsin), the city of Stillwater, the St. Croix River, and the numerous cliffs and bluffs that line the area. The park is located just 20 minutes east of St. Paul.
Excelsior Bay on Lake Minnetonka in scenic Excelsior offers numerous photographic opportunities of the lake, surrounding hills and the historic town of Excelsior. There are several secluded areas along the lakeshore from which to take photographs. The area blazes with red, yellow and orange during the fall. The bay is located about 30 minutes west of Minneapolis.
