Minnesota State Parks

Whether you have a boat for boating and fishing in any of the many Minnesota State Parks, or are looking for a relaxing get-away, you'll discover our Minnesota State Park listings as the place to find just the right park for you and your family.  We have compiled all the state parks into one place for your convenience.

Minnesota State Parks has something for everyone: Boating, Fishing, Bicycling, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming or just good relaxation.  Click on any of the links below to find the specific information on boat launching fees, camp reservations and information about the park.

All state parks are controlled and maintained by the State of Minnesota. They are clean, safe and well maintained by the state.


Listings

  • Afton State Park

    Grand oaks and delicate prairie flowers grace the rugged, rolling landscape of this park. trails traverse remnant and restored prairies, wind down deep ravines and rise up to the grassy ridgetops and bluffs overlooking the scenic st. croix river. the trails are perfect for hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. the park offers visitors a swimming beach, backpack campsites and a visitor center with interpretive displays.

  • Banning State Park

    Treat yourself to a visit to banning state park, just minutes off i-35 near sandstone. in the spring, watch daring canoeists and kayakers shoot the turbulent rapids at blueberry slide, mother's delight, dragon's tooth and hell's gate. in the summer, hike along the kettle river amid dramatic sandstone rock formations with lush lichens, liverworts and mosses. visit wolf creek falls, the log creek arches and robinson's ice cave. stay at the new camper cabin (sleeps five people), which includes bunk beds, a table and benches. take in the historic ruins of banning sandstone quarry. the park is known for camping, picnicking, cross-country skiing, beautiful trails for hiking and the study of natural history.

  • Bear Head Lake State Park

    Secluded in the northwoods, this park contains pristine lakes; it is home to black bears, nesting eagles, wolves and moose. stands of white and red pine trees tower over the birch, aspen and fir trees. located just south of the boundary waters canoe area, the park shares a similar wilderness quality. explore miles of shoreline by canoe. swim at the beach, picnic in the shelter building, or fish for walleye, bass, crappies or trout. trails in the park link-up with the taconite state trail and offer snowmobilers, skiers and hikers plenty to enjoy. rent a three-bedroom guest house or camper cabin any season of the year.

  • Beaver Creek Valley State Park

    Nestled in the blufflands of southeastern minnesota, beaver creek valley state park is known for its clear streams fed by the "big spring." its streams are home to brown and native brook trout. in spring, wildflowers that blanket the woodland hills and valleys attract migratory songbirds like the rare acadian flycatcher, cerulean warbler, and louisiana waterthrush. these birds nest in the park. a hiking trail meanders along the stream and up into a maple-basswood and oak forest. campers are lulled to sleep by the murmuring stream.

  • Big Bog State Recreation Area

    Big bog state recreation area has been called minnesota's last true wilderness. this two-part recreation area includes a northern unit and a southern unit. the 500-square-mile peat bog, the largest in the lower 48 states, is located in the northern unit. a mile-long boardwalk, completed in 2005, enables visitors to get a first-hand look at the unique plant and animal life of this rare resource. the bog, which has long been a source of medicinal plants for the ojibwe indians, represented a barrier to european settlers who tried in vain to drain it. today, many of the native plants, including yellow-eyed grass, bog rush and two kinds of sundews, are on minnesota's endangered or threatened species list. from orchids to carnivorous plants to rare birds, visitors will see a mixture of fascinating and rare resources.

  • Big Stone Lake State Park

    Big stone lake is 26 miles long and is located on the south dakota-minnesota border. the lake is the source of the minnesota river and attracts anglers who catch walleye, northerns and bluegills. the northern section of the park, called the bonanza area, provides a picnic area, boat launch and a primitive group camp for guests. the area also includes the bonanza education center which provides a place to discover the past and ways to preserve it. the southern section of the park, called the meadowbrook area, contains a campground, swimming beach and hiking trails.

  • Blue Mounds State Park

    Blue mounds state park is full of natural surprises. start with the sioux quartzite cliff, rising 100 feet from the plains. a bison herd grazes on the prairie. prickly pear cactus blooms in june and july. a sea of prairie grasses and flowers sway in the wind. the park is also a favorite for birdwatchers who want to see nesting blue grosbeaks and other birds. enjoy camping and swimming.

  • Buffalo River State Park

    Prairie lovers, this park is for you. trails wind through one of minnesota's finest and largest remnant prairies. listen for bobolinks, prairie chickens, marbled godwits and upland sandpipers. a picnic area, swimming area and campground are located in the hardwood forest along the buffalo river. the park is only 14 miles from the large metropolitan area of fargo, north dakota - moorhead, minnesota.

  • Camden State Park

    Camden state park offers much for visitors to enjoy. fish for brown trout in the redwood river or bass and bluegill in brawner lake. hike the trails or cool off in the spring-fed pool. walk along the wooded river valley, climb the dakota valley trail to the lookout for great fall colors, or go canoeing on brawner lake.

  • Carley State Park

    Beauty and quiet, that is the essence of carley state park. in the spring, delicate bluebells (mertensia virginica), and other wildflowers carpet the valley with a profusion of color. hike along the trail that follows the whitewater river and take in the grand old white pines. listen for the sweet song of orioles, song sparrows, house wrens, and indigo buntings. enjoy the picnic area, play on the swings or practice softball. try your hand at horseshoes or sit back and see a red-tailed hawk ride thermals in the sky. the north branch of the whitewater river is a designated trout stream and provides habitat for brown trout. rustic campsites are located near the picnic area.

  • Cascade River State Park

    Come to cascade for the rushing river and grand waterfalls that lay within a gorge, lush with moss and ferns that grow on black volcanic rocks. hike the trail through birch, spruce and white cedar; stop to see the views of lake superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. trails connect with the superior hiking trail and the north shore state trail and offer great recreational opportunities to hikers and cross-country skiers. drive-in and backpack campsites are available.

  • Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

    Located on the mississippi river, charles a. lindbergh state park offers visitors a wooded campground, hiking and skiing trails, and a quaint picnic area. the picnic area includes a historic work projects administration (wpa) picnic shelter and a stone water tower. fish the waters of the mississippi river, canoe pike creek, or walk the trails amid grand red and white pine, aspen, oak and prairie. look for bald eagles year round. during your summer visit, stop in at the historic home of charles a. lindbergh, sr., father of the famous aviator, charles a. lindbergh, jr. the home and adjacent museum are operated by the minnesota historical society (mhs) and are adjacent to the park.

  • Crow Wing State Park

    This is a nature lover's delight. explore prairie, pine, and hardwood forests. view the mississippi river from historic and picturesque "chippewa lookout." novice canoeists can paddle the calm waters of the crow wing and mississippi rivers. crow wing is a park rich in cultural history. in this area, a frontier town emerged to serve the needs of travelers and traders. the town died when the railroad chose to cross the river at brainerd. walk through the site of the old crow wing village for a sense of history. the park still has a section of the famous woods trail, which served ox cart traffic that carried supplies between st. paul and the red river settlements.

  • Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

    Abandoned by mining companies more than 30 years ago, this area of former mining pits and rock deposit stockpiles now boasts regenerated vegetation and clear lakes that draw a wide range of recreation enthusiasts. twenty-five miles of natural shoreline can be explored by boat or canoe and anglers can cast a line for trout, northern, bass, crappie, or sunfish.

  • Father Hennepin State Park

    Father hennepin state park is located on the southeast shore of mille lacs lake. visitors enjoy a large sandy beach for swimming, two boat accesses, fishing piers and picnic sites with a panoramic view of the lake. the park's 320 acres include two campgrounds and hiking trails that wind through a hardwood forest and along the rocky shoreline of mille lacs. the park's original vegetation was northern hardwoods mixed with marsh areas and pines along the lake. the hardwoods provide shade during the summer and spectacular color in the fall.

  • Flandrau State Park

    The gentle flowing big cottonwood river meanders through this southern park. the sand-bottom swimming pond, picnic area, campgrounds and group center attract many visitors every summer to this very popular state park. the terrain is diverse, offering views of wooded river bottoms, oxbow marshes and open grasslands. hikers and cross-country skiers enjoy the flat trails on the bottom of the valley or more challenging routes on the oak-shaded bluffs. visit historic stone buildings crafted by works progress administration(wpa)crews. vegetative features include goat prairies, small white lady's slippers, and the floodplain forest.

  • Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park

    Visit forestville/mystery cave state park to see natural wonders above and below ground. in the summer, beat the heat with a visit below ground. explore the world of mystery cave with its stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools. park naturalists provide tours of the cave throughout the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. the temperature stays at a constant 48 degrees fahrenheit.

  • Fort Ridgely State Park

    Tour historic fort ridgely and wander through the ruins of this once thriving outpost. learn about the u. s.-dakota conflict of 1862, a major event in minnesota's early history. stop by the cemetery to learn more about the history. for recreation, this park offers plenty: play a nine hole course; hike or ride the trails on horseback; play volleyball or softball; fish; and camp (drive-in and walk-in sites are available). come winter, ski, snowmobile or slide down the big hill.

  • Fort Snelling State Park

    Located in the heart of the twin cities, this park offers extensive hiking, bike and ski trails that link to minnehaha park and the minnesota valley national wildlife refuge. canoe on gun club lake, play golf, swim in snelling lake, or hike on pike island where the mississippi and minnesota rivers converge. interpretive exhibits and films on display in the thomas c. savage visitor center give visitors a good background on the history and resources of the park and area. trails also allow visitors to hike up to the historic fort snelling for a view of military life in the 1820s. this is a day-use only park; no camping is available.

  • Franz Jevne State Park

    Secluded and peaceful, this park offers picturesque views of ontario and the rainy river.

  • Frontenac State Park

    Secluded and peaceful, this park offers picturesque views of ontario and the rainy river.

  • Garden Island State Recreation Area

    Remote and virtually undeveloped, garden island state recreation area is the northernmost unit of the minnesota state park system. part of its attraction is the challenge of getting there—as you leave the south shore of lake of the woods, the island is 19 miles away and not yet visible on the horizon. but once you arrive, the island itself will charm you. its quiet beaches beckon you to stroll along the retreating waves.

  • George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

    Come to this north-country wilderness park where waterfalls cascade through a volcanic canyon surrounded by majestic forest. the trails in the park are carved through a forest of fir, cedar, spruce, and northern hardwoods. although the trails are steep and challenging for hikers and backpackers, they offer spectacular views.

  • Glacial Lakes State Park

    Stand on top of the scenic glacial hills and experience the vast, open prairie which once dominated minnesota. wildflowers and prairie grasses blanket the landscape from spring through fall.

  • Glendalough State Park

    Nestled in the transition zone between prairie and hardwood forest, glendalough offers a true respite from civilization. crystal clear annie battle lake is a 335-acre, non-motorized "heritage fishery" that provides a tranquil fishing experience second to none. special regulations sustain a steady supply of large sunfish, crappie, and the occasional walleye for the frying pan, and large bass for the camera. near the pristine shores of this lake are a cart-in campground and canoe-in campsites, all free from the traffic and noise of traditional drive-in camping.

  • Gooseberry Falls State Park

    Gooseberry falls is the gateway to the north shore. it is known for its spectacular waterfalls, river gorge, lake superior shoreline, civilian conservation corps log and stone structures, and north woods wildlife.

  • Grand Portage State Park

    Torrents of wild water plummet 120 feet over the high falls down to the pigeon river in this park on the u.s. - canadian border. the falls, the highest in the state, presented a serious obstacle to river travel, so a "carrying place," or portage, was necessary. american indians created the ancient nine-mile trail from lake superior to bypass the falls. this trail became known as "the grand portage." today, visitors of all abilities can take a one-half mile trail and boardwalk to the falls overlook area. the park is designed for day use only and contains mixed hardwood-conifer forests and hiking trails along the banks of the pigeon river. the spectacular scenery sets the stage for recreational opportunities that include hiking, photography, and picnicking. the park lies within the grand portage indian reservation and is bordered by canada on the north and east. lake superior is about one mile east of the park.

  • Great River Bluffs State Park

    This is beautiful bluff country! the park contains two scientific and natural areas (snas), king's and queen's bluff. the king's bluff trail offers a breathtaking view of the mississippi river valley. bring your binoculars; the river valley is a major flyway for waterfowl, eagles, and hawks.

  • Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area

    Greenleaf lake state recreation area (sra) is open to the public. recreation opportunities are limited to day use. no facilities are available at this time.

  • Hayes Lake State Park

    Some days it's just you, loons, and moose, while you traverse around hayes lake. fed by the north fork of the roseau river, the lake supports crappie, sunfish, large mouth bass, and northern. birdwatchers have spotted over 200 species in or near the park. the summer is perfect to look for orchids, gentians, and blueberries (you can pick the berries, but not the flowers). visitors also enjoy swimming and canoeing in the lake, along with camping. trails for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding connect with the beltrami island state forest.

  • Hill Annex Mine State Park

    Go down in history with a tour of the hill annex iron mine. on the 1 1/2-hour open pit mine tour, visitors make a spectacular descent into mining's past. learn about the mine operation, the people who worked here, and where they came from. discover marine fossils in northern minnesota. get a sense of the mine's deep, rich history. learn how this national historic site played an important role in state, national, and world history.

  • Interstate State Park

    There is so much to do at interstate state park, located on the beautiful st. croix river. visitors can climb the cliffs of the st. croix river dalles, canoe the flat-water, watch kayakers rush through the rapids, or relax on an excursion boat. spring brings a great diversity of wildflowers and in fall, the st. croix river valley forest is ablaze in the autumn colors of red, gold, and orange. the geology that formed this park intrigues visitors, and brings geologists from all over the world. at least 10 different lava flows are exposed in the park, along with two distinct glacial deposits, and traces of old streams valleys and faults. during the summer, hike the trails and explore the glacial potholes that make this park unique.

  • Iron Range OHV State Recreation Area

    Come and experience minnesota's premier off-highway vehicle recreation area, located in gilbert.

  • Itasca State Park

    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.

  • Jay Cooke State Park

    Trailblazers: this park is a must! park trails link up to the willard munger state trail at the north edge of the park; perfect for backpackers, bikers (both mountain and tour), hikers, horseback riders, and skiers.

  • John A. Latsch State Park

    John a. latsch, a successful winona businessman of the izaak walton league, loved to fish in the waters of the mississippi river below the bluffs. today, a half-mile hike up the deep ravine for a view is well worth the effort.

  • Judge C.R. Magney State Park

    Come for the quiet, the solitude, and the famous devil's kettle waterfall. the most popular hike leads from the trailhead upstream along the brule river to devil's kettle, where the river splits around a mass of volcanic rock. half of the river plunges 50 feet into a pool, while the rest pours into a huge pothole. anglers can catch brook and rainbow trout in the brule river or its tributary, gauthier creek. the park offers camping, picnicking and hiking.

  • Kilen Woods State Park

    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.

  • La Salle Lake State Recreation Area

    La salle lake state recreation area is open to the public. recreation opportunities are limited to day use. there is limited parking and signage, and no facilities or services are available at this time. there are no toilets or garbage removal. the sra will open to hunting november 5, 2011. the la salle lake sna within the sra is currently open to hunters and trappers.

  • Lac qui Parle State Park

    Lac qui parle is a french translation of the name given to the lake by the dakota indians who called it the "lake that speaks." if you visit in the spring or fall you'll understand why. the lake is a stop over for thousands of migratory canada geese and other waterfowl. you'll hear a chorus of honking, quacking, and other vocalizations. paddle the lake, or cast a line and catch walleye, northerns, perch, or crappie. explore one of the trails by foot or horseback. visit the historic fort renville and lac qui parle mission sites. while in the area, be sure to visit the 33,000 acre lac qui parle wildlife management area.

  • Lake Bemidji State Park

    This park is the perfect playground any time of year, offering visitors swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, camping, biking, picnicking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and year-round naturalist-led activities.

  • Lake Bronson State Park

    From the observation tower in the park, view the prairie and aspen-oak forests or watch for deer, sharp-tailed grouse, and sandhill cranes.

  • Lake Carlos State Park

    Sculpted by ancient glaciers, lake carlos state park contains a tamarack bog, marshes, woodland ponds, and lakes.

  • Lake Louise State Park

    Lake louise lures hikers, horseback riders, skiers, and snowmobilers to its trails, which wind through open landscapes and lush hardwoods. the confluence of the little iowa and upper iowa rivers that occurs in the park provides water recreation. in addition, visitors swim, boat, or fish in lake louise. hiking and horseback riding are also popular sports at this park. the lakeside picnic grounds and beach area draws visitors in the summer.

  • Lake Maria State Park

    Visitors who come to lake maria state park will enjoy one of the few remaining stands of the "big woods," a maple, oak and basswood forest that once covered part of southern minnesota.

  • Lake Shetek State Park

    The word "shetek" is ojibwe for "pelican," a bird which visits lake shetek during the summer and fall.the park contains the largest lake in southwestern minnesota, which forms the headwaters of the des moines river.

  • Lake Vermilion State Park

    Together with Soudan Underground Mine, the new park will include almost 10 shoreline miles on lake vermilion, with access to 39,271 acres of water.

  • Maplewood State Park

    The maple forest turns brilliant shades of orange, gold, and red in the fall.

  • McCarthy Beach State Park

    Come to mccarthy beach state park and you’ll remember the lakes. the sandy beach on sturgeon lake was rated one of the top 17 beaches in north america by highway’s magazine. walk along the half-mile of shoreline, or venture out into the shallow water that extends hundreds of feet into the lake.

  • Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

    Mille lacs kathio state park has so much to offer and discover. its 9000 years of human history and archaeological significance has made it a national historic landmark. you can learn about its rich history and all of kathio's other treasures at the visitor center. climb the 100 foot observation/fire tower and look across the majesty of mille lacs lake. take part in mille lacs kathio state park's extensive interpretive/nature programs or get out by yourself and hike on the park's varied trail system. kathio has a wonderful swimming beach plus canoes or rowboats you can rent for a trip on the historic rum river and ogechie and shakopee lakes. in the winter, visitors can cross-country ski on trails described as the best in minnesota or take the family sledding on our popular sliding hill. the river, lakes, and park trails offer visitors excellent opportunities to watch waterfowl, bald eagles, osprey, beaver, loons, deer, coyotes, and many others.

  • Minneopa State Park

    The word minneopa comes from the dakota language and is interpreted to mean "water falling twice," referring to the beautiful waterfalls of the minneopa creek. walk the trail which encircles the falls, leading down a limestone stairway to the valley below. ascend the opposite side and enjoy a panoramic view of the valley which reveals the underlying geology of this area. visit seppmann mill, a wind driven grist mill fashioned in german style from native stone and lumber, or hike through oak savanna and native prairie grasslands overlooking the scenic minnesota river valley.

  • Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

    Just minutes from the twin cities, this state recreation area preserves part of the minnesota river valley. the multi-use minnesota valley trail parallels the minnesota river. the section of trail from shakopee to chaska is paved and a natural surface trail runs from chaska to belle plaine. the area is ideal for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling and camping in one of the many rustic campsites. the landscapes are just as diverse as the trail system and include wetlands, floodplain forest and blufftop oak savanna. wildlife observation and birdwatching are popular activities year-round.

  • Monson Lake State Park

    Cast your line for walleye, northerns, bass, and sunfish in monson lake. birdwatchers look for white pelicans, herons, western grebes, and songbirds in this 187-acre park with a diverse landscape of wetlands and hardwood forests. the park includes a quiet campground and wooded picnic area. paddle the lake and take a short portage that leads from monson lake to west sunburg lake.

  • Moose Lake State Park

    Rolling hills surrounded by fields, woods, ponds and fishing lakes make this park popular for hikers, anglers, canoeists, swimmers and campers. quiet echo lake is ideal for catching bass, northerns and panfish. the willard munger trail is located two miles west of the park. the trail stretches for 60 miles from hinckley to west duluth.

  • Myre - Big Island State Park

    This park has something for everyone. the trails take visitors around wet lowlands, oak savanna, and grasslands. albert lea lake and park marshes draw hundreds of waterfowl during migration. oak savanna and prairie landscape, including wetlands, dominate most of the park. one of the more unique aspects of the park is the 116-acre big island, covered with maple/basswood forest. another is the glacial esker located in the northeast section of the park.

  • Mystery Cave State Park

    Visit forestville/mystery cave state park to see natural wonders above and below ground. in the summer, beat the heat with a visit below ground. explore the world of mystery cave with its stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools. park naturalists provide tours of the cave throughout the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. the temperature stays at a constant 48 degrees fahrenheit.

  • Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

    Enjoy this park on foot, any season of the year. in the spring, the park is a wildflower garden where hepatica, bloodroot, dutchman's breeches, and the dwarf trout lily bloom. the dwarf trout lily is only found here. relax by hidden falls in the summer. the autumn brings a burst of red, orange, and gold in the maple-basswood forest, one of the last extensive stands of the "big woods." when winter comes, ski or snowmobile the trails through picturesque woods.

  • Old Mill State Park

    A log cabin and a steam-powered flour mill at old mill state park are bold landmarks from the past. the grist mill still gets fired up once a year to grind flour.

  • Red River State Recreation Area

    The creation of the red river state recreation area was a grass roots effort that came about as a result of the flood of 1997 that devastated the communities of east grand forks, mn and grand forks, nd. after the u.s. army corps of engineers redrew the floodplain, the federal emergency management agency bought 500 homes and other buildings in east grand forks along the red and red lake rivers.

  • Rice Lake State Park

    Long ago, american indians harvested wild rice from this lake where today, the shallow waters and marshy edges of rice lake attract many waterfowl during migrations. rice lake is a major wetland in the area. visitors enjoy camping under the tall hardwoods, photographing spring wildflowers, picnicking, and birdwatching. for a more secluded camping experience, paddle across the lake and camp in a canoe campsite. winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on the trails.

  • Sakatah Lake State Park

    Sakatah singing hills state trail runs through sakatah lake state park and stretches 39 miles from mankato to faribault. the paved trail offers hikers, bikers, skiers, and snowmobilers beautiful scenery through minnesota's hardwoods. sakatah lake, a natural widening of the cannon river, lures canoeists to paddle the calm waters, and anglers to catch walleye, large mouth and white bass, northern pike, and panfish. whatever the season, visitors enjoy camping and picnicking.

  • Savanna Portage State Park

    Time slips by when you visit this park of the north. walk the savanna portage trail, a historic trail traveled by fur traders, dakota and ojibwe indians, and explorers more than 200 years ago. savanna portage state park has 15,818 acres of rolling hills, lakes, and bogs. the continental divide marks the great division of water: water to the west flows into the mississippi river; water to the east runs into lake superior. visitors can hike the continental divide trail and see forested vistas. during the summer, visitors enjoy swimming at loon lake. bike enthusiasts can pedal on roads, or on dirt trails designated for mountain bikes. with four fishing lakes and a river, its common for anglers to catch panfish, trout and bass. come winter, this park offers snowmobilers approximately 32 miles of trails to explore. this park is a favorite among cross-country skiers too, with 14 miles of trails, and an additional 6.4 miles available at remote solitude, 1 mile south of the park.

  • Scenic State Park

    With its pristine lakes, virgin pines, swimming beach, and wilderness-like setting, scenic state park is well deserving of its name. here, visitors can hike the chase point trail for hypnotic views of coon and sandwick lakes and listen to the wind whistle through the giant pines. the park's overnight facilities include campsites (boat-in, drive-in, backpack), and a cabin. the historic lodge houses interpretive displays.

  • Schoolcraft State Park

    Quiet and peaceful, the trail system leads hikers through the virgin pine forest that includes a white pine more than 300 years old. Canoeists and anglers enjoy the gentle waters of the Mississippi River. A boat access, picnic area, canoe and drive-in campsites are available to visitors

  • Sibley State Park

    There is something for everyone at this popular west-central minnesota state park. hike to mount tom, one of several high points in a 50-mile radius, and see a patchwork of forest, farmland, prairie knolls, and lakes. summer visitors enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on lake andrew. a canoe route invites adventurers to portage and canoe on henschien lake and swan lake. the park offers campgrounds, a modern group center, horseback camps, picnic area, and interpretive programs year-around.

  • Soudan Underground Mine State Park

    This park is home to minnesota's oldest iron ore mine, where visitors can learn about how mining shaped the history and culture of the iron range. explore the dry house, drill shop, crusher house and engine house, and take the boardwalk past one of the deepest open mine pits. don't miss the hiking trails that take you through a northern hardwood conifer forest, past the famous soudan iron formation! underground mine tours are not available at this time, due to ongoing repair work from the spring 2011 shaft fire.

  • Split Rock Creek State Park

    Swim, fish, or boat the waters of split rock lake, the largest body of water in pipestone county. the lake is the predominant feature of this park. stop by the beach side trail center for an excellent vista and to discover more about the area. seven miles north of the park is the famous pipestone national monument.

  • Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

    This park is situated on the north shore of lake superior. perhaps best known for its historic lighthouse, this park offers numerous recreational opportunities. visitors can cart-in their supplies to pristine campsites along lake superior. scenic trails along the lake link up to the spectacular superior hiking trail. anglers cast their lines for lake trout, salmon, and brown trout. the rocky beach is perfect for skipping stones into lake superior.

  • St. Croix State Park

    Plan an extended visit to st. croix. with over 34,000 acres and two great rivers—the saint croix river, which is a national scenic riverway, and the kettle river, a state wild and scenic river—there's so much to do. explore the rivers by canoe or with a fishing pole. swim at lake clayton or climb a fire tower.

  • Temperance River State Park

    Take the trail that winds along the edge of the temperance river gorge and enjoy the rushing waterfalls surrounded by pine, spruce, cedar and birch forests. the rapidly flowing river has cut deep potholes in and along the riverbed. hike the trail to hidden falls or connect up with trails into the superior national forest and the cross river wayside. visitors come to camp and picnic along the shore of lake superior. winter brings cross-country skiers and snowmobilers to tackle the hilly terrain. carlton peak, a recent addition to the park, is popular with rock climbers and offers even more recreational opportunities to park visitors.

  • Tettegouche State Park

    Come to tettegouche for a great sense of the north shore: the spectacular overlooks at shovel point; rocky, steep cliffs and inland bluffs; the cascading 60 ft. high falls of the baptism river; and the historic tettegouche camp where visitors can stay the night.

  • Upper Sioux Agency State Park

    Upper sioux agency state park contains the site of the upper sioux or yellow medicine agency. the park was established in 1963 to preserve and interpret the remains of the old agency site. the park covers 1,280 acres and offers diversity: open prairie knolls, bluffs, and cool, wooded slopes. from the vistas, visitors enjoy the trails which are ideal for horseback riding, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. the park also offers a huge sliding hill for winter fun.

  • Whitewater State Park

    Picturesque limestone bluffs and deep ravines make whitewater a very popular southeastern state park. the 2,700 acre park is an angler's paradise with brown, brook, and rainbow trout swimming in the spring-fed whitewater river and trout run creek. visitors enjoy a sandy swimming beach, a year-round visitor center, easy-to-challenging hiking trails, camping, a group camp, and a modern group center. come in the winter to enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and stay at the group center in rustic, winterized cabins. all through the year, discover the natural and human history of the area at one of the many interpretive programs, visitor center exhibits or self-guided trails.

  • Wild River State Park

    Wild river state park is located along 18 miles of the beautiful st. croix river. the park attracts people who enjoy camping, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, interpretive programs, self-guided trails, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. day visitors can enjoy a leisurely paddle down the st. croix river from the sunrise river access to the southern park river access.

  • William O'Brien State Park

    A great "get away" park only one hour from the twin cities, william o'brien provides a beautiful setting for quality recreation along the banks of the st. croix river. hiking trails offer quiet exploration of the park's rolling, wooded hills. for anglers, the channels of the st. croix have northerns, walleye, bass and trout. ideal for canoeing, the river is also a migratory pathway that offers visitors an exciting diversity of sights and sounds. in the winter, snowshoeing, skiing and camping attract enthusiasts.

  • Zippel Bay State Park

    After visiting zippel bay, you’ll remember the sunsets and the miles of white sand beach. the park is located on lake of the woods, one of the world’s largest lakes. the mood of the lake is always changing, from approaching storms that bring three-foot-high crashing waves and lightning flashes to an eerie stillness, broken only by the faint calls of a thousand raucous gulls, out of sight in the lake’s interior. in summer, the 3,000-acre park offers a swimming beach and picnic area on the big lake, drive-in campsites and a group camp, a marina on zippel bay and a stone jetty providing protected access to lake of the woods.