You will be able to see a wide variety of birds, including the beautiful eagle. While other state parks and Minnesota campgrounds may be more well-known, Afton’s central location can’t be beaten. The Itasca State Park features 32,000 acres and more than 100 lakes on the property. Life In Minnesota is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Follow the Gitchi-Gami Trail, and walk along the Mississippi River. It is a great place to take in some history and see how people used to live. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. Your email address will not be published. Above ground, you can take a stroll through a village from the 1800s that has been restored. And in the winter, cross-country skiers will be equally pleased; this park is known for 18 excellent miles of cross-country trails. You could start your visit by walking the trail that follows the edge of the Temperance River gorge. Schroeder, MN 55613 Less experienced campers will feel like super-advanced wilderness explorers, but Bear Head isn’t nearly as rugged or challenging as its neighbor to the north. There’s even a pond located in the park that is groomed into a rink in the winter! Wildlife enthusiasts will want to check out the Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary, a park within the park that protects old … 163 State Park Road In fact, a wilderness permit is required to visit the BWCA. The trails here are brief (5 miles) but action-packed. From beginner-level Minnesota campgrounds just outside the Twin Cities, to the most rugged of conditions for the expert outdoorsman, there’s somewhere for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors here in “L’etoile du Nord”– “The Star of the North.”. 7 Amazing State Parks Around Minneapolis That Will Blow You Away. That’s double the number of people that go into the one million acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The lake has crappie, sunfish, northern, and largemouth bass. You are reading "25 Best Minnesota State & National Parks" Back to Top. 6 Gooseberry Falls State Park The North Shore's most popular park (and one of the most-visited parks in Minnesota) has 20 miles of hiking trails along the Gooseberry River and through the surrounding forest. Some of the MN State Parks will be more enjoyable for your pup than others. Despite its colder climate, Minnesota is a great place to visit because of its many famous attractions, including the Mall of America. With over 300 campsites (some offering electricity and even a few with internet access), there’s room for the 500,000 visitors that flock to the park each year, with no risk of overcrowding. Located just west of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Voyageurs is the only national park in Minnesota. Well known for its historic lighthouse, the park brings in visitors of every ilk all year round. But perhaps you aren’t staying at a campground with showers. Pause Carousel Skip to main content. If fishing is what you enjoy most, you can go to one of three streams within the park and fish for brown trout. While in Sibley State Park, you may want to spend some time at Lake Andrew swimming, fishing, or boating. 101 Snelling Lake Road ... State Parks, Forests, and Preserves. Which will you visit this year? Check out this article about how to choose the perfect winter camping tent. Address: Best state parks (65) #1 - Gooseberry Falls State Park how to choose the perfect winter camping tent. Sibley Park and Waterfront Park are two ideal places to hop on this 10.7-mile hiking trail. Lynd, MN 56157 If that’s not enough, Tettegouche is also sought as a popular bird-watching destination, and is one of only four Minnesota state parks to offer rock climbing. The wooded trails are a great place to go for a walk and keep an eye out for wildlife and the colorful wildflowers in the prairie. Best Tent Camping: Minnesota: Your Car-Camping Guide to Scenic Beauty, the Sounds of Nature, and an Escape from Civilization. Rather visit in the warm months? Best Minnesota State Parks For Camping. There’s 14 miles of hiking/skiing trails, 6 miles of horseback trails, rental canoes, and a public boat ramp (motors must be under 20HP). Here you will find 10 of the best Minnesota parks to visit this summer. With amazing indoor and outdoor water parks sure to put a smile on your face, be sure to make Minnesota your next getaway. Check Price on Amazon.com. Canadian National Parks. Fort Snelling State Park offers extensive trails that are great for biking or hiking. Ten Minnesota state parks have reservable cabins and guesthouses. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Your email address will not be published. The Minnesota River Trail is quite popular, as it connects parks and several trails that run near the Minnesota River. These trails link to both Minnehaha Park and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Here you will be able to take in the beauty of the landscape as well as the waterfall. Address: Go camping, take a nature hike, pack a picnic...your adventure awaits, so grab a map and get outside! Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Nerstrand, of the best Minnesota campgrounds is located just outside Mankato, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, The Best Golf Courses in Minnesota for a Relaxing Day on the Links. Address: If you’re into camping amongst some of Minnesota’s best-known natural phenomenons, Tettegouche is the place for you! Explore the most popular state parks in Minnesota with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Winona, MN 55987 For more information on these (and other) state parks, check out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, or Explore Minnesota, the state’s official tourism website. Check out Beyond The Tent’ guide to camping the BWCA here. You may also want to take some time to do some fishing while you are at the park. Explorers are expected to strictly follow state guidelines concerning water pollution, use of motorized watercraft, waste disposal, etc. Lake Louise State Park can lay claim to Minnesota’s oldest, continuous recreation area. This includes the tallest in Minnesota– the High Falls of the Baptism River. Visit Website. You can go for a hike, walk, bike ride, or even take your horse for a ride on these trails. You may also want to visit the Thomas C Salvage Visitor Center where you can find background on the history of the park. Here are five incredible trails to introduce you to these wild spaces. Founded in 1891, Itasca State Park is not only the oldest Minnesota state park, but also one of the biggest. Why Buying During the Holidays Will Save You Thousands, Your Complete Guide To Home Inspections: How To Spot Issues & Address Them Before Purchasing A Home, Minnesota Cities That Require Truth In Housing Inspections – Reports Prior To Listing A Home, 8 Must Stops for a Girls Day in Maple Grove, 10 Of The Best Minnesota State Parks You Need To Visit This Summer. Address: Visitors can expect to see ponds, wetlands, and old-growth oak forests along the trails. Minnesota's oldest state park, Itasca is home to 32,000 acres and more than 100 lakes. From black bears to eagles to wolves and moose, Bear Head Lake State Park is teeming with wildlife. Address: For those that love bird watching, this is the place for you. Make sure you hike to the Upper and Middle Falls. An incredible national park to spend time in while you’re in Minnesota is Voyageurs National Park, which is a top alternative to more crowded national parks in the U.S. Rivers, lakes, old-growth forests, prairies, and of course, corn fields… there’s a reason that Minnesota is affectionately known as the North Star State and the Land of 10,000 Lakes – oofta. Top 5 Dog Friendly State Parks in Minnesota. Perhaps most popular with Minnesota’s anglers, Voyageurs National Park boasts a healthy population of walleye, pike, muskie, and crappie, among others. Top Minneapolis State Parks: See reviews and photos of state parks in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Tripadvisor. Visit Website. If you are looking to see more of the history that the park has to offer, you could take a look at the various historic buildings and archeological sites. You may need resources such as How to Set Up the Perfect Camping Shower for Every Situation. Agate Beach, where the river meets Lake Superior, is a fun place to agate-hunt. After spending nearly 15 years in the construction industry, I joined my wife Kelly in real estate in 2015 and created the Ryan and Kelly Team. Visiting some of the state parks is a great way to get outdoors, see some amazing sights, and have fun. One of the best Minnesota campgrounds is located just outside Mankato. Most of this trail is paved, but the trail itself is not in great shape, which is why you need to be wearing a good pair of hiking boots. So many outdoor adventure things to do at this State Park in southern Minnesota- from hiking and camping and enjoying historical sites to water sports- there is something to explore for the kids and adults in your family. Avoid stores this holiday season – give a Minnesota state parks gift card! At 33,000 acres in size, it is best known for being home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Activities include boating, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and biking. 90 miles south of Minneapolis, Minneopa is a modest 331 acres and includes 61 campsites (6 electric), and one cabin, as well as modern showers and restrooms. Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, and that name is no joke – it really does contain over 10,000 lakes! With 35 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of horseback trails along Lake Mille Lacs and the Rum River, Kathio State Park is a water lover’s paradise. Preston, MN 55965 The newest addition to the park is Carlton Peak which offers rock climbing to those that are looking for some exciting recreation. Featuring Voyageurs National Park, Chippewa National Forest, Superior National Forest, Purvis Ober State Natural Area, Mille Lacs State Wildlife Management Area, Miller-Richter State Wildlife Management Area, Minnesota Slough State Wildlife Management Area And while many Minnesotans haven’t heard of this small agricultural community, the state park within its boundaries is a well-known and beloved in southern Minnesota campground. While you are out on the lake you may be able to catch a glimpse of a loon or possibly a moose. This 11,000-acre park is best-known for its stunning fall colors; in the autumn, thousands of visitors flock to the aforementioned fire tower to see the vibrant fall hues visible from above the treetops. There is a variety of wildlife that can be seen while hiking as well, such as wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, coyotes, and many songbirds. We’ve saved the best camping in Minnesota for last. Minnesota's state parks have hundreds of trails for hikers, ranging from brief nature walks on well-maintained paths to adventurous multi-day backpacking treks in rugged terrain. Best Minnesota State Parks for Adventure Sports White water raft past billion-year-old rock formations, or snowmobile at high speeds across the countryside. It is the … Minnesota's State Parks are filled with highlights for hikers: 1. Get out the fishing poles and fish for bluegill or bass in Brawner Lake or brown trout in the Redwood River. Fishing is a fun activity for all ages. The Old Mill State Park has something for everyone. Whether you want to catch a record-breaking walleye or are simply in need of a relaxing day on the pier, Minnesota state parks has the perfect fishing spot for you. With cross-country skiing trails, snowmobile routes, and snowshoes for rent, this park is beautiful any time of year. Crosby Farm Park Just across the river in St. Paul, this park has some of the prettiest walking trails in town, which lead right up to the river. Itasca State Park You can take a walk to Loon Island, which is accessible on foot. It's one of the best spots in the country to view birds migrating in the spring and fall. June 2, 2011 at 2:34 pm. Roaming America: Exploring All the National Parks. Minnesota is not just the land of 10,000 lakes, it has some pretty great state parks as well. When you are done in the water, you could have a picnic in the picnic area or play on the playground. Jul 13, 2017 - Information about camping, hiking, biking and experiencing the beauty at Minnesota State Parks.Check out Minnesota Wonders to find unique Minnesota travel destinations and family fun! Novice botanists will enjoy keeping an eye out for the Dwarf Trout Lily, a federally endangered plant found only in this region of Minnesota. The Ryan & Kelly Team is one of the top JP Willman Realty teams!Don’t forget to follow us on: Houzez - All rights reserved - Designed and Developed by Favethemes. If prompted, most Minnesotans will agree that the North Shore is the most scenic area in the state and along with that, offers some of the best camping in Minnesota. No matter where you are in Minnesota, chances are there is a state park within 50 miles. Of the 75 stunning State Parks, these 7 are absolutely fantastic and easy to get to from the Twin Cities. DNR RESPONSE TO COVID-19: For details on adjustments to DNR services, visit this webpage. A Minnesota state park is an area of land in the U.S. state of Minnesota preserved by the state for its natural, historic, or other resources. Crosby Farm Park Just across the river in St. Paul, this park has some of the prettiest walking trails in town, which lead right up to the river. And what better way to enjoy all the scenic beauty Minnesota has to offer, than to camp in its wilderness, eh? With over 20 miles of hiking trails along Lake Superior and 6 inland lakes, this is a great campsite for campers of all experience levels. Visit Website. Its close proximity to the Boundary Waters. Interested in winter camping in Minnesota? Started in 2012, Life In Minnesota’s goal has been to bring you the fun, interesting, and unique stories that make Minnesota so special. The park is full of natural wonders both above and below ground. Address: Itasca also contains old-growth pine forest,s including some red pines (the Minnesota State Tree) that are over 200 years old. There are many things to enjoy at this park. Learn how your comment data is processed. The parks encompass some of the the most striking natural resources in the area. A Minnesota state park is an area of land in the U.S. state of Minnesota preserved by the state for its natural, historic, or other resources. Access 4283 reviews, 1421 photos & 896 tips of every rv park & campground in Minnesota. We’ve talked about some amazing drives, and while there’s foliage to be found all across Minnesota, these 10 photos of state parks in the fall will definitely get you ready for the season! User registration is disabled in this demo. Parks of the Southern region in Minnesota. About an hour south of the Metro lies the little farm town of Nerstrand. Keep in mind though, visitors will need to be comfortable on the water, as the campsites are only accessible via waterways and portages. Expert RVers visited 449 RV Parks in Minnesota. Our team is known for our strong work ethic, honest home evaluations, unique marketing approach and professional customer service. When you are ready for a bite to eat, there is a picnic area that continues to give you a great view of the landscape of the park. Bear Head Lake has walleye, crappie, and bass. If you’re looking for activities during your camping trip, hiking, biking and horseback riding are popular among the Itasca’s visitors, as are the 30+ American Indian cemetery and archaeological sites that were discovered in the 1800s. This is one of the best state parks in Minnesota but it can lose its serenity during the peak summer months. Minneopa State Park has some of the most unique natural sights to see in all of Minnesota. Keep your eyes peeled for some special wildlife in the area: Lake Maria is home to a group of Blanding turtles, an endangered Minnesota species. 1897 Camden Park Road National Parks, Forests, and Preserves. June 2, 2011 at 2:34 pm. With only 17 campsites and 3 permanent cabins, this park is intimate and quiet, perfect for a serene Minnesota camping experience. Although, if fishing isn’t your thing, there’s also 50 miles of hiking trails, and the park gets rave reviews from the winter crowd for its snowmobile, ski and snowshoe trails. The Department of Natural Resources fish-without-a-license regulation was implemented several years ago as yet another innovative way to recruit, retain and reactivate anglers. Read on to find the best camping in the great state of Minnesota! Jay Cooke State Park south of Duluth on the St. Louis River is a fan favorite and one of the most-visited fall foliage spots! Canoeing is a popular pastime for visitors in the park as well. I used several criteria in making this list based on the enjoyment and abilities of my bichon dog, Pepper. Kathio is also one of the most historically-significant parks in the state, containing almost 20 archaeological sites dating back to the Archaic Period. A full list of Minnesota’s state park rules and regulations is available here. At just over 3,000 acres in size, this state park is a hidden gem, and is often less crowded because of its relative anonymity. Gun Club Lake is perfect for canoeing, Snelling Lake is just right for swimming, and for those looking to play golf, it can be found here. Kathio offers 70 campsites (22 are electric), and 5 cabins on the grounds. Visit Website. Mount Tom is one of only several high points within a 50-mile radius. You are reading "25 Best Minnesota State & National Parks" Back to Top. While visiting, you can take a tour of Mystery Cave with its underground pools, stalagmites, and stalactites. If you have binoculars, you should bring them. Fort Snelling State Park The swimming beach, river walks, and tons of wildlife at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers make this one of the best truly urban parks in the country. The sites include rock quarries, historical rice pits, and mining test pits. The trails are a great place to go for a hike and take in the beauty of the area. There are boats for rent, 45 electric camping sites, 5 cabins, and even one 3-bedroom guest house! Top Minnesota State Parks: See reviews and photos of state parks in Minnesota, United States on Tripadvisor. This is a list of Minnesota state parks.There are 67 state parks, nine state recreation areas, nine state waysides, and 23 state trails in the Minnesota state park system, totaling approximately 267,000 acres (1,080 km 2). Minnesota is an ideal destination for nature lovers because there are so many amazing ways to get active in the outdoors here. Best Minnesota State Parks for Hiking Snowmobile your way across acres of parkland in order to visit art galleries in pretty towns. We Love Selling Houses! Maple Grove is the perfect spot for a girls day. One of the oldest parks in the state is also one of the most picturesque. Minnesota’s newest state park came into being in 2010—a combination of over 4,000 acres and 10 miles of Lake Vermillion shoreline, with the pre-existing facilities at the Soudan Underground Mine State Park. If you prefer nature over architecture, Minneopa is also one of just three places in Minnesota that are home to a herd of American bison, introduced to the park in 2015. While visiting this park, you can swim, fish, boat, canoe, and kayak on the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota. Visit Website. Camping is available as well if you’d like to make a weekend of it. Voyageurs National Park is uniquely accessible only by boat. Sharing 150 miles of international boundary with Canada, this wilderness retreat is not for the beginner camper. 48990 County Road 4 During the other seasons, there’s a swimming beach, 20 miles of cross-country skiing or snowmobiling trails, a playground, and a sledding hill. If you’re up for the physical challenges a journey into the Boundary Waters presents, you’ll be rewarded with 1,200 miles of canoeable water, 12 hiking trails, 2,000 campsites, and the largest wolf population settlement in the U.S. Want to plan a trip to the BWCA? Address: After going for a walk, you may consider heading to the picnic grounds for a bite to eat and then spend some time in the swimming area or go on the swinging bridge that stretches over the Middle River. Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Superior National Forest, hiking trails along the river’s bluffs and across pristine Minnesota. There is a dam on the lake where you may be able to see beavers at work. Visitors can drive through their enclosure on a protected road, or view them from outside the prairie’s fence. They’ve won awards and are celebrated as some of the best in the nation. Some of the parks and resorts even offer a variety of dryland activities in case the water just isn’t your thing. Minnesota has 75 state parks and recreation areas where you'll find stunning views and hiking trails of all difficulty and mobility levels. Visiting some of the state parks is a great way to get outdoors, see some amazing sights, and have fun. It’s not every day that a hiker can scale a 100-foot fire tower with views reaching all the way to one of the largest lakes in Minnesota. It’s no surprise then that Minnesota is a popular family vacation spot. Minnesota's state parks are among our crown jewels, welcoming millions of residents and visitors alike to learn about the state’s ecosystems, recreate in the outdoors or simply commune with nature. Whether traveling from near or far, the trip is... Getting fit takes hard work and determination. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers one of the most iconic Minnesota photo opportunities in the entire state. You can bring your own boat, canoe or kayak, or rent a variety of canoes, rowboats and even houseboats! List of parks in Minnesota. Things to do near me today, beaches with kids, romantic parks, unique places to visit in USA, hotels, tourist attractions: Sarasota, From Boston, OR, NC, From Houston, NJ, GA. 3. While on the lake, you can do some bird watching and take in the beauty of the local birds. The Fall Foliage At These 10 State Parks In Minnesota Is Stunningly Beautiful. Old Mill State Park Photo by Erick Austin CC By 2.0 Address: Almost 650 acres in size, this park has everything a camper could want– hiking, fishing, a beach, paddle boards and more. Thus, making camping in Minnesota, well, a given. With all the wide open space that abounds in Minnesota, there’s no wonder that it’s also home to nearly 70 awe-worthy State parks. New London, MN 56273 Our philosophy focuses on bringing the most value to every client we work with in real estate. This story is part of our “ See America, One State Park at a Time ” series. Visit Website. Please enter your username or email address. With so many paths to tread, it can be challenging to know where to start. Here you will find 10 of the best Minnesota parks to visit this summer. Whether you want to catch a record-breaking walleye or are simply in need of a relaxing day on the pier, Minnesota state parks has the perfect fishing spot for you. How to Set Up the Perfect Camping Shower for Every Situation. Here is a list of the Best Family Hiking Trails In Minnesota. But what about all of Minnesota’s beautiful State Parks? Cascade River State Park Located at 6253 West River Road NW, this park is one of the best places for your entire family to enjoy an active outing. In addition to its hiking trails, there are 4 miles of paved bike paths and even some suitable trails for horseback riding. You could also take the trails up to Fort Snelling which is a historic site that will give you a look into military life in the 1820s. 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