Minnesota's state and national parks are some of the best in the country. These areas provide endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation and exploration. From hiking through old-growth forests to kayaking on untouched lakes, Minnesota's state parks cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
Whether you're drawn to the historical significance of sites like Fort Snelling State Park or the geological wonders of Interstate State Park, each place has its own story to tell.
So, without wasting any more time – let's talk about the best state and national parks in Minnesota and uncover their key attractions.
Itasca State Park
Established in 1891, Itasca State Park is Minnesota's oldest state park. Known for being the headwaters of the Mississippi River, it offers visitors the unique opportunity to walk across the river as it begins its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. The park encompasses over 32,000 acres and features more than 100 lakes, providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. Hikers and bikers will enjoy the 49 miles of scenic trails that wind through an old-growth state forest and along picturesque lakeshores.
- Key Attractions: Headwaters of the Mississippi River, Wilderness Drive, Itasca Indian Cemetery.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Located along the North Shore of Lake Superior, Gooseberry Falls State Park is famous for its spectacular waterfalls, scenic overlooks and rugged trails. The park's five waterfalls are its main attraction, offering stunning views and great photography opportunities. Visitors can also explore the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) log and stone structures built in the 1930s, which add a historical element to the park.
- Key Attractions: Gooseberry Falls, Lake Superior shoreline, CCC buildings.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Home to one of Minnesota's most iconic landmarks, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers stunning views of Lake Superior and the historic lighthouse. The lighthouse, perched on a 130-foot cliff, is a National Historic Landmark and provides guided tours. The park's rugged terrain is ideal for hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) and biking, and the shoreline offers excellent opportunities for picnicking and photography.
- Key Attractions: Split Rock Lighthouse, Pebble Beach, scenic overlooks.
Tettegouche State Park
This park features dramatic cliffs, rocky shores and the High Falls of the Baptism River, the highest waterfall entirely within Minnesota. Tettegouche State Park offers extensive hiking and climbing opportunities, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. The park's Palisade Head provides panoramic views of Lake Superior and is a popular spot for rock climbing.
- Key Attractions: High Falls, Palisade Head, Shovel Point and Superior National Forest.
Jay Cooke State Park
Known for its scenic beauty and challenging trails, Jay Cooke State Park is located along the St. Louis River. The park's swinging bridge, carved-out landscape and historic sites provide a rich experience for hikers, campers and history buffs. The park is also a popular destination for winter activities, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. With easy access to Duluth, it's a hot nature spot among locals northerners.
- Key Attractions: Swinging Bridge, Thomson Dam, historic cemeteries.
Whitewater State Park
Situated in the southeastern part of the state, Whitewater State Park is known for its deep limestone bluffs and clear, spring-fed river. The park offers excellent trout fishing and is a haven for bird watchers, particularly those interested in spotting bald eagles. The hiking trails provide stunning views of the bluffs and valleys, and the park's interpretive center offers educational programs and exhibits.
- Key Attractions: Trout streams, Chimney Rock, Coyote Point.
Fort Snelling State Park
Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, Fort Snelling State Park combines natural beauty with historical significance. The park features restored prairie, river bluffs and the historic Fort Snelling. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, canoeing and learning about the area's history at the fort.
- Key Attractions: Historic Fort Snelling, Pike Island, restored prairie.
Interstate State Park
Straddling the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, Interstate State Park is known for its unique geological features, including glacial potholes and basalt rock formations. The park offers scenic hiking trails along the St. Croix River and opportunities for rock climbing. The river is also popular for canoeing and kayaking.
- Key Attractions: Glacial potholes, scenic river bluffs, basalt rock formations.
Banning State Park
Located along the Kettle River, Banning State Park is renowned for its running rapids and dramatic rock formations. The park offers hiking trails that pass by historic sandstone quarry sites, making it both a scenic and educational destination. White-water rafting and kayaking are popular activities here, thanks to the river’s challenging rapids.
- Key Attractions: Wolf Creek Falls, historic quarry sites, Kettle River rapids.
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
This park offers a unique glimpse into Minnesota’s mining history. Visitors can take underground tours of the historic iron ore mine, which delve 2,341 feet below the surface. Above ground, the park offers hiking trails and a visitor center with exhibits on mining history and geology.
- Key Attractions: Underground mine tours, hiking trails, visitor center.
Blue Mounds State Park
Known for its expansive prairies and impressive Sioux quartzite cliffs, Blue Mounds State Park offers a striking contrast to Minnesota’s typical forested landscapes. The park is home to a herd of bison, and visitors can learn about prairie ecosystems and the area’s history at the interpretive center.
- Key Attractions: Sioux quartzite cliffs, bison herd, Upper Mound Lake.
Afton State Park
Located along the scenic St. Croix River, Afton State Park offers rolling prairies, wooded ravines and bluffs with beautiful river views. The park is ideal for hiking, horseback riding and bird watching. It also offers ski trails in the winter and a swimming beach in the summer.
- Key Attractions: Scenic river bluffs, prairie landscapes, bird watching.
Bear Head Lake State Park
Situated in the heart of Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, Bear Head Lake State Park is a serene getaway known for its healthy lakes, dense forests and abundant wildlife. It's an excellent destination for fishing and paddling. The park also offers well-maintained hiking trails and opportunities for spotting wildlife like moose, wolves and eagles.
- Key Attractions: Bear Head Lake, canoeing routes, wildlife viewing.
Zippel Bay State Park
Located on the shores of Lake of the Woods, Zippel Bay State Park is a hidden gem offering beautiful sandy beaches, excellent fishing and scenic hiking trails. The park's remote location makes it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some tranquility.
- Key Attractions: Sandy beaches, Lake of the Woods, bird watching.
Sibley State Park
Nestled in the heart of Minnesota's prairie region, Sibley State Park offers classic Midwest rolling hills, lakes and woodlands. The park's Mount Tom provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming and bird watching.
- Key Attractions: Mount Tom, Lake Andrew, wildflower meadows.
Frontenac State Park
Overlooking the Mississippi River, Frontenac State Park is known for its large bird populations, especially during migration seasons. The park offers stunning river views, bluff-top trails, and opportunities for fishing and picnicking along the riverbanks.
- Key Attractions: Mississippi River bluffs, bird watching, scenic overlooks.
Lake Bemidji State Park
Situated on the northern shore of Lake Bemidji, this park offers a mix of pine forests, wetlands, and lakeshore. Beyond water activities, the park also features the Bog Walk, a boardwalk trail that takes visitors through a unique peat bog ecosystem.
- Key Attractions: Lake Bemidji, Bog Walk, old-growth pine forest.
Flandrau State Park
Located near New Ulm, Flandrau State Park features the Cottonwood River and a variety of landscapes, including wooded hills and open meadows. The park offers a swimming pool, picnic areas, and trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.
- Key Attractions: Cottonwood River, swimming pool, scenic trails.
Lake Carlos State Park
Located near Alexandria, Lake Carlos State Park offers a serene setting with a mix of woodlands, meadows and lakeshore. The park is ideal for swimming, fishing and boating. It also has a variety of hiking and skiing trails, providing year-round recreation opportunities.
- Key Attractions: Lake Carlos, woodland and meadow trails.
Minneopa State Park
Home to Minnesota's third-largest waterfall, Minneopa State Park also features a bison conservation herd. Visitors can hike along the scenic trails that offer views of the waterfalls and bison, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife viewing.
- Key Attractions: Minneopa Falls, bison herd, historic Seppman Mill.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
This park offers a glimpse into Minnesota's geological history with tours of Mystery Cave, the longest cave in the state. Above ground, visitors can explore the restored 19th-century village of Forestville, hike scenic trails and enjoy trout fishing in the streams.
- Key Attractions: Mystery Cave tours, historic Forestville, trout streams.
Wild River State Park
Located along the St. Croix River, Wild River State Park offers extensive hiking, horseback riding and canoeing opportunities. The park's diverse habitats, including prairies, forests and wetlands, provide excellent bird watching and wildlife viewing.
- Key Attractions: St. Croix River, diverse ecosystems, river views.
Tamarac Wildlife Refuge
Tucked in northwestern Minnesota, Tamarac Wildlife Refuge is a popular place for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. The refuge's diverse habitats include forests, wetlands and prairies, attracting a wide variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, deer and beavers.
- Key Attractions: Rich wildlife habitats, migratory birds, scenic overlooks.
Scenic State Park
Scenic State Park lives up to its name with its crystal-clear lakes and old-growth pine forests. The park offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating and hiking, as well as camping in a laidback natural setting.
- Key Attractions: Coon and Sandwick Lakes, virgin pine forests, rustic cabins.
Buffalo River State Park
This park features one of Minnesota's largest and finest prairies, offering a glimpse into the state's rich natural history. Visitors can explore the park's trails, enjoy swimming in the man-made pool and learn about prairie ecosystems at the interpretive center.
- Key Attractions: Prairie landscapes, man-made swimming pool, interpretive center.
Maplewood State Park
Known for its rolling hills and vibrant fall colors, Maplewood State Park offers beautiful scenery year-round. The park has numerous lakes and ponds, making it a great destination for fishing and boating. Its extensive trail system is perfect for hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.
- Key Attractions: Rolling hills, lakes and ponds, fall foliage.
Glendalough State Park
Once a private retreat, Glendalough State Park offers a tranquil escape with its pristine lakes, diverse wildlife and historical significance. The park is ideal for hiking, fishing and wildlife watching, and features cart-in campsites for a more secluded camping experience.
- Key Attractions: Annie Battle Lake, historic lodge, wildlife viewing, cart-in camping.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park
Named after the famous aviator, this park is located near the Mississippi River and offers historical tours of the Lindbergh family home. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnicking areas and fishing spots, all while learning about the life of Charles Lindbergh.
- Key Attractions: Lindbergh property tours, Mississippi River views.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
This park is rich in archaeological significance, with sites dating back thousands of years. Visitors can learn about the area's history at the interpretive center, hike scenic trails and enjoy views of Mille Lacs Lake, one of the largest in the state. The park also offers excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
- Key Attractions: Archaeological sites, Mille Lacs Lake, interpretive center.
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park known for its interconnected waterways and forests. Named after the French-Canadian fur traders who navigated these waters in the 18th century, the park is known for boating, fishing and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the park’s four large lakes and over 500 smaller bodies of water by kayak, canoe, motorboat or even guided tours. Plus, it's within reach of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).
- Key Attractions: Kabetogama Peninsula, Rainy Lake, Ellsworth Rock Gardens.
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Stretching for 72 miles along the Mississippi River, this national park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking and paddling. The park features historic sites, visitor centers and overlooks that provide great views of surrounding cityscapes. It connects several regional parks and green spaces, making it a vital urban refuge for both wildlife and people.
- Key Attractions: St. Anthony Falls, Mill Ruins Park, Lock and Dam No. 1.
Grand Portage National Monument
Located near the Canadian border, Grand Portage National Monument preserves the historic fur trade route used by Native Americans and European traders. Visitors can explore the reconstructed trading post, hike the historic portage trail and learn about the area's rich history through interactive exhibits.
- Key Attractions: Grand Portage Depot, Mount Rose Trail, historic fur trade route, North Shore activities.
Pipestone National Monument
This monument protects the quarries where Native Americans have historically obtained pipestone for making ceremonial pipes. The site holds significant cultural and spiritual importance to many tribes. Visitors can walk the Circle Trail, visit the Pipestone Creek and learn about the spiritual significance of the site.
- Key Attractions: Pipestone quarries, Winnewissa Falls, Three Maidens rock formation.
Have A Great Time Exploring The National Parks & State Parks in MN!
Minnesota's state parks provide a wealth of natural beauty, recreational opportunities and historical significance. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an adventurous outdoor experience, these parks offer something for everyone. Plan your visit to explore the rich landscapes and heritage that make Minnesota a top outdoors destination.
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