This North Shore park is home to a spectacular four-level waterfall, scenic overlooks and is ideal for trout fishing.See more..
5.0Itasca State Park(539 reviews) - Fun Fall Fungi Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks
Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Stand under towering pines at Preacher's Grove. Visit the Itasca Indian Cemetery or Wegmann's Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. Camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins. Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of Minnesota's seven National Natural Landmarks.See more..
I spent several hours at this park on a Saturday in January. The parking lot and path to the waterfalls was solid ice due to a recent thawing. Many people slipped. The waterfalls were partially frozen but had active falls going on too. The stairs going down to the bottom and up to the other side were very icy so care is needed to keep from slipping. At the other side, the path along the rim was closed for the winter. But you are able to walk along the creek towards the lower falls and get right up to them. It is a great place to spend a few hours and the winter view of the falls was gorgeous. I hope to come back in the summer.See more..
5.0Soudan Underground Mine(268 reviews) - A Wonderful Experience, So Glad We Did This! Spent 1-2 hours State Parks • Mines
Minnesota's first iron ore mine-the Soudan Mine-opened in 1882. Operations went underground by 1892 since the ore body continued deep into the ground. The mine's value was in the special kind of ore it produced. The ore's high oxygen content was used to make high-quality steel in open-hearth furnaces. When technology changed, the ore from the mine was no longer needed. Low-cost ores of the Mesabi Range took over, and Soudan Mine closed in 1962. Today, you can travel 1/2 mile underground and ride a train car back to last area that the miners worked.See more..
We were lucky enough to visit this park when fall colors were filling up the trees. There’s so much to do here—so many hiking trails and sightseeing around the St Louis River. One must-stop part of the park is the iconic Swinging Bridge. There is a rule at the bridge that only one household be on the bridge at a time. I don’t know if that rule is Covid-related or if it’s to limit the amount of weight on the bridge. Either way, be aware that the rule is ignored by many other visitors. If you politely follow the rule and wait for others to finish crossing before you cross, you’re likely to see at least one other person ignore the rule and march right on past you (despite seeing you there waiting), so you end up waiting even longer. So prepare for that frustration. But it’s still a very cool place to visit that won’t disappoint.See more..
The park's namesake 674-acre lake is a prime spot for eyeing wildlife.See more..
4.5Fort Snelling State Park(134 reviews) - Pike Island Hike Sunday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Historic Sites • State Parks • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Located on Pike Island, this scenic state park is one of Minnesota's most visited attractions, which features trails for cross-country skiing, hiking and mountain biking.See more..
In addition to fishing, swimming, canoeing, hiking and camping, this park offers visitors the opportunity to view the only bison herd in Minnesota's State Parks.See more..
4.5Afton State Park(113 reviews) - Great Hiking at Afton State Park State Parks
Located near St. Paul, this 1,700 acre-park offers camping, hiking, biking, swimming and cross-country skiing.See more..
Overlooking the Mississippi River, this park offers scenic views.See more..
4.5Banning State Park(86 reviews) - Fall Colors along the Kettle River State Parks
Hikers through this State Park have a choice of many scenic trails, which wind through birch and pine forests bordering along the turbulent waters of the Kettle River.See more..
We stopped here on our way to Oregon. What a great visual break from the fields of corn! Quiet woods and good views of Albert Lea lake as we followed the loop trail on the island. We saw wild turkeys, a flock of white pelicans, herons, deer and… a baby toad. What a relaxing break from driving! The $7 entrance fee was well worth it and the ranger was really friendly. We had a great lunch at the Green Mill restaurant before getting back on the highway.See more..
We've camped here many, many times, but this time went for a day trip to enjoy some winter activities. What a treat to arrive and see the trails newly groomed for cross country skiing! We were there early and had the trails basically to ourselves. The park is large enough to enjoy yet small enough that we covered basically all the cross country trails. Then we went for lunch and returned to do the snowshoe trail which is just enough to pretty much tire us out for the rest of the day! The views are pretty, the trails manageable and the location right in New Ulm means there are some great options for food, etc.. See more..
Scenic park whose forest is part of the Big Woods.See more..
4.5Maplewood State Park(66 reviews) - So beautiful! Sunday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks
Popular with families, this park offers many activities and trails that connect with many of the park's lakes.See more..
4.5Glendalough State Park(66 reviews) - Camping, Canoeing, Biking, Hiking State Parks • Parks
Glendalough State Park has become my family's favorite State Park. We stayed at the remote campsite. My son and I canoed all the gear to the Eagle yurt. While my wife and girls biked two miles to the site. We enjoyed beautiful weather while we were there. Every bike ride we had deer cross the path. As well as turtle and wild turkey. The pan fishing was good. We stayed up late playing campsite game with fellow campers. My son won the turtle races at Battle Lake, MN. (Races every Thursday and Saturday in the summer.) Granny's Ice cream , the Rusty Nail restaurant are worth trying out.See more..
This is #37 for us hiking a Minnesota state park. We really enjoyed the terrain. We did the Mt. Tom trail loop. Lots of hills but beautiful scenery. When we got to #c going south it was confusing. Figured out to keep going straight till you get to road but then there was no sign on the other side of road. So frustrating. Wandered in the woods found the trail. I don’t get it. The DNR or whoever puts up signs just remember we have never been there!!!!!! Hiked up the hill to Mt. Tom lookout. So beautiful. I’m sure it’s spectacular in the fall. Not many people there this time of year which is the way we like it. Great hike! See more..
Beautiful park! Not at all buggy today, and other hikers were friendly and polite. The park is extensive and well maintained. Unfortunately we could only spent a 1.5 hours there due to time constraints but could easily be a half or while day excursion. If you want a great hike and aren’t afraid of heights (for the observation tower), it’s most definitely worth a visit!See more..
Home to the Blandings turtle, a threatened species, the rolling terrain of this scenic park is perfect for hikers, backpackers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers.See more..
We stayed in the Vasa camper cabin this past weekend! It was so fun! I slept better in that bed than I do at home! There’s only one complaint. The outdoor bathroom was never cleaned. The sanitizer dispenser was empty in both stalls and the bathroom really needed to be cleaned! It was very dirty inside and extremely stinky! You had to hold your breath when using it. For 3 cabins using one bathroom it really needs to be cleaned every day on weekends!See more..
4.5Whitewater State Park(55 reviews) - Beautiful State Park Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
This was our first visit to Whitewater State Park and we enjoyed the hiking to Inspiration Point on a warm Saturday afternoon. Not too crowded and the swimming hole was pleasant to cool down. Be sure to take water bottles with you and the maps provided were easy to get acquainted with the trails. Because of COVID the public restrooms are closed. The outhouses are gross. We asked about restrooms and they don’t tell you about the nice ones at the campground. The park has new clean restrooms at the campground easily accessible right across from the park office (see picture). BTW- If you want breathtaking views, I recommend the state parks along the North Shore. More impressive views at these parks.See more..
We went to Father Hennepin state park on a rainy Saturday morning. We did the Pope Point trail and the hiking club loop. Both had segments along the lake, so there was a good breeze. Both were covered by trees. The trails were wide and well marked.See more..
This was my favorite state park in southwest Minnesota. I stopped here for a day trip. It is about a 1.5hr drive from New Ulm. The park had a good variety of trails and had a beach on Lake Shetek. We hiked the Loon Island Trail as this was the hiking club trail. There was a cool path connecting the island to the mainland. The lake was fairly green so I would not recommend swimming. I also hiked the fish pond trail and was disappointed as both fish rearing ponds were drained even though the mapped showed they were there. I would return to this state park.See more..
4.0Moose Lake State Park(45 reviews) - Great small park with lots to do! State Parks • Parks
First visit ever to this small an quaint state park. Nice swimming beach on Echo Lake along with campsites, fishing pier and boat launch. Nice trails and beautiful grounds as well.See more..
Popular for its beach, fishing pier and red and white pines.See more..
4.5Glacial Lakes State Park(39 reviews) - fantastic peaceful park State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Scenic glacial hills and prairie land characterize this park.See more..
4.5George Crosby Manitou State Park(39 reviews) - Great backwoods State Park near the North Shore Sunday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks
This state park is not on hwy 61 and is a little out of way. Great for those that do not like a lot of hikers around them. We really enjoyed the trails to the Manitou river and back. We would recommend to have the map, as the trails to the Manitou river were not marked like at the other State parks. There were two ways to go to the park from Tofte, we would recommend the route coming from Finland, as the dirt roads are in better repair. There is quite abit of elevation change from the parking lot to the Manitou river. Lots of great trails, and lots of great views and scenery. The river at this time of year was flowing at full strength. I would recommend this park for those that like hiking in the backwoods, and are ok with primitive toilets and no cell service.See more..
Nice park with easy hiking and beautiful stream. Nice stream about 5-7 miles of easy hiking some climb on some trails but not hard. Kind of a preserved gem valley. Decent camping take your bug spray. Alot of visible trout in stream. Seven dollar day fee seems high but annual pass for state parks better dealSee more..
En route up to Motley,MN and this was a perfect stop after a breakfast in St. Cloud. Well maintained trails, and historic sites to read about and visit. One of the trails has an area where you can view the “landing strip” where he used to fly and land his first airplane in the 1920s. It’s basically an overgrown field surrounded by pines. But still, historic. Many of the trails follow the river, and there are benches situated through the trail system if you need to stop and rest. The historic Charles Lindbergh museum and home is just across the main road from this state park. Did not visit this time around but think it would be interesting. See more..
My family has been camping at McCarthy Beach for 5 generations now. We've held our annual family reunion camping trip here for at least the last 20 years. I've camped at both the rustic sites and the group camp site. Both campgrounds are lovely although it would be a nice perk if the rustic sites featured a tent pad similar to other MN State Parks. I love that the campgrounds are nestled between 2 lakes and it's always fascinating how the weather can be totally different less than 1/4 mile apart from one shore to the other. At McCarthy Beach sunset watching is a sport, no where else on earth have I seen such spectacular sunsets. The beach is amazing, what I love best is that even though the official swim area is large there is lots of space along the shore to swim and play in the water. The lake is shallow and sandy enough that there's plenty of space for bigger kids and adults to play in the water without being right on top of the smaller children closer to shore.See more..
This 350-acre park offers three overlooks towering 500 feet above the Mississippi River.See more..
4.5Big Bog State Recreation Area(29 reviews) - The Big Bog Boardwalk is an excellent way to learn about an ecosystem. State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
We hiked for about 1 1/2 houaround the pond and to the end of the boardwalk & back. We were the only ones there on a Wednesday morning. Thinterpretive plaques are excellent. The plants are very interesting. We saw evidence of beaver's work by the parking lot and along the pond walk. Saw blujays, a crow and a young buck deer. We heard a sparrow. I loved this walk! See more..
The park is pretty private. Covid has shut down things like showers and flushing toilets, that’s to be expected. Don’t know that I’d be doing it now even if they were available. The biggest thing that bothered me about this park was the 24/7 semi trucks on 60, nothing the park could do about it really, but coming from the city I just want to hear the wind threw the trees, the animals, and the fire. Overall staff is super friendly. When we got here the one outhouse by our campsite had a major #2 explosion. They cleaned it shortly after we said something. All this said. If you’re camping during a very hot weekend this would be a great place. Plenty of shade!See more..
This was #43 MN state park hike. BE AWARE #67 road is partially CLOSED and has been since 2019!!!!!!!! Good grief. What a great hike. Did the Hiking club hike and the wetland hike. It is very hilly getting up to top but what a view. Paths were very well groomed and wide. Lots of history and they had nice plaques with information. The wetland hike was a different story. Trees down, skinny paths not marked very good but still fun to hike. Not sure if it is taken care of at all. I know we came at a quiet time of the year but this park hopefully gets some lovin' in the summer. We loved the diversity of the park.See more..
4.5Preacher's Grove(27 reviews) - Beautiful view of lake under pine trees State Parks
Site at Itasca State Park where a religious group once camped.See more..
4.0Rice Lake State Park(26 reviews) - Beautiful place to visit! Spent More than 3 hours State Parks
A blend of marsh, lake, meadows and woods and an ideal place for birdwatching.See more..
4.0Buffalo River State Park(25 reviews) - Short and Sweet Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM State Parks • Parks
Very peaceful campground. Others campers were very friendly. Nice shade trees at most of the electric sites. Bathrooms are clean and modern. Showers were in tip top condition as well. A quick and ugly storm passed through. The camp host and ranger were out immediately to check on everyone. Camp host had also come around prior explaining where to go during bad weather and how he’d alert everyone. Nice to have such a great camping option close to home.See more..
For a quiet, relaxing time, hike the cool woodland trail which meanders along the tranquil Des Moines River, or enjoy the view of the river valley from Dinosaur Ridge Overlook. You'll find pleasant surprises as you explore small creeks, prairie grasslands, and oak savannas. Visitors enjoy camping, canoeing, fishing, picnicking and hiking.See more..
3.5Camden State Park(24 reviews) - Green Swimming Pool State Parks • Parks
I stopped at this park for a day trip to do some hiking. I hiked the Jones Mill Trail which is about a mile round trip. I was disappointed as the Jones Mill Historic site is nothing more than a sign stating there used to be a mill there. The trail was nice and wooded and by the creek. I was disappointed with the spring fed pool as it was green and had lots of algae and weeds. We ended up swimming in the creek as it was significantly cleaner. I would return back to this park but I would like to see the pool properly maintained.See more..
We visit this wonderful oasis of a dog park a couple times a week! Trails are well groomed, visitors seem to be responsible picking up waste and our dogs get an amazing work out here running and playing with all the other dogs. There's ALWAYS somebody there, yet it never seems crowded.See more..
Walked hiking trail found password. Hiking Club map needs update as a small part of trail near the Lac Qui Parle river has been rerouted. Some work on trail has started but know it will lead to a better experience.See more..
