About seven years ago, we purchased Minnesota State Park passport books for our two boys. Each year, we travel to a few new parks with the goal of seeing all 64 Minnesota State Parks and several State Recreation Areas (so far we’ve covered around 56 of them). I’ve outlined our time at the parks we’ve visited below in hopes that you will be inspired to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails at one of Minnesota’s State Parks. Come join us on this journey.
Afton State Park
Prairie restoration areas abound at Afton State Park located along the St. Croix River near Hastings. We hiked the North River Trail for water views and the Prairie and Trout Book Loops for grassy and at times muddy meanders through the park.
Banning State Park
Located along the Kettle River, Banning State Park has so much to offer, including the waterfall pictured above. We spent a night in one of the park’s camper cabins and hiked both the main park as well as the Sandstone section. Read more about our adventure here. Banning has interesting trails but bring bug spray. This park is known for hoards of mosquitos.
Bear Head State Park
Beaver Creek Valley State Park
We hiked the Big Spring Trail along Beaver Creek, stopping at several points along the way to wade into the water. Being that the creek is spring-fed, the water is always icy cold, rarely getting warmer than 10F degrees. Our stop at Beaver Creek Valley was part of a 10 park tour of southeastern Minnesota State Parks.
Big Stone Lake State Park
Located just below Minnesota’s bump out, Big Stone Lake State Park is home of the headwaters of the Minnesota River. There are just a couple short (about 1-2 mile) trails within the two units of Big Stone Lake. We made a quick pit stop in the Meadowbrook section to hike the flat, mowed grass Blue Bird Trail. The main feature of the trail was the many species of pollinators along the path.
Blue Mounds State Park
Blue Mounds is one of three Minnesota State Parks that offer overnights in a tipi. It was such a fun and unique experience. We also enjoyed walks along the Mound Trail and the hike to Eagle Rock vista to try to spy to bison herd located inside the park. For a full description of our time at five southwestern Minnesota state parks, click here.
Buffalo River State Park
Located just east of Fargo, North Dakota Buffalo River State Park is home to one of the largest tall grass prairies in the country. Our trip to the park was brief and include a half-mike walk on the Muskoda Interpretive Trail. The highlight of the trail was a stop at the bison rubbing rock pictured above. These large fieldstones, left by glaciers were polished in a unique pattern from bison using them to help shed their winter coats.
Camden State Park
A wooded oasis hidden inside the prairie can be found at Camden State Park. On hot days, the spring-fed pond is a great place to cool off. The dirt-packed hike to the Redwood River overlook is a good way to explore the park on foot.
Carley State Park
Carley is known for birdwatching and spring wildflowers. We were at the park in June, a bit late in the year for the wildflowers, but did enjoy the abundance of wild parsnips (just look, don’t touch) and a stroll along the north branch of the Whitewater River. Our stop at Carley was part of a 10 park tour of southeastern Minnesota State Parks.
Cascade River State Park
Our stop at Cascade River State Park was part of a larger trip along the North Shore that included hikes at Grand Portage, Judge Magney and Temperance River State Parks. We spent about an hour at this park on the short half-mile Cascades Loop Trail. The trail meanders passed five small waterfalls and concludes with Cascade Falls. There are many picturesque spots along the trail to take photos, wade in the river or just sit and listen to the rushing water.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park
Trees have grown over the spot where Charles A. Lindbergh landed his JN-4D airplane or ” The Jenny” in 1923. It was a nice tree-lined hike along the Hiking Club Trail to the landing site, just one mile to hike out and back. There are many signs along the trails within the park explaining life for Charles and his family in the early 1900s. If you stop by you can also tour the Lindbergh House, though when we visited in 2020, it was closed due to COVID-19.
Crow Wing State Park
A hike in the new year has become sort of a tradition in our home. This year we chose Crow Wing State Park for our first hike of 2023. We chose to trek the 2.2 mile hiking club trail loop which took us to the Old Crow Wing Town Site as well as the Chippewa Lookout. Crow Wing State Park sits at the confluence of the Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers. The Red River Oxcart Trail Crossing marks one of the major river crossings for pioneers headed west.
Father Hennepin State Park
The waters of Lake Mille Lacs lap the boundaries of Father Hennepin State Park. Most of the trails will allow for views of the lake as well as walks through pine, basswood and sugar maples. Hiking trails are shorter distances and have interpretive signs along the route. Given that most trails are wide, flat and either mowed grass or gravel this small park is a good choice for those with limited mobility.
Flandrau State Park
Flandrau would be a great park to visit if you’re interested in swimming. The park has a beautiful sand bottom beach with restroom facilities and picnic shelters. We did not visit to swim, instead, we came to hike the Grassland and Bluebird Trail. Unfortunately, our trek was cut in half by the looming threat of thunderstorms. We ended up running the last quarter mile to avoid the downpour.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
At Forestville, we explored a newly acquired section of the park to walk the Palisade Trail. This loop trail is just under 1 mile and follows the banks of the Root River, however many visitors come to tour the 13 miles of underground caves at Mystery Cave. The cave was closed during our visit due to COVID-19. Our visit to Forestville was part of a 10 park tour of southeastern Minnesota State Parks,
Fort Ridgely State Park
Not your typical state park of scenic overlooks or wooded trails, Fort Ridgely State Park is home to a partially restored European settler fort and outpost used during the U.S-Dakota War of 1862. We enjoyed the self-guided tour of the grounds with descriptions of the soldiers barracks, officers quarters and the fort’s hospital.
Fort Snelling State Park
I love that Fort Snelling State Park is just outside the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. It’s a little retreat in the midst of a chaotic city (though you can still hear the traffic and airplane noise). The park has just over 9 miles of trail, many of them offering great views of either the Minnesota or Mississippi Rivers.
Franz Jevne State Park
Frontenac State Park
Our trip to Frontenac State Park was in February where we hiked along the ungroomed winter trails to Eagle Point. These winter trails make a roughly 2-mile loop through woodlands, prairies and an overlook of Lake Pepin. Our visit was one of many winter trips to Minnesota State Parks.
George Crosby Manitou State Park
Our trek at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park was the first backpacking experience for our boys. Before heading to our remote site on Benson Lake, we hiked the Humpback and Middle Trails for views of the Manitou River and the Cascades.
Glacial Lakes State Park
Hikers are rewarded with sweeping views on the rather short 2.3 mile High Peak Trail at Glacial Lakes State Park. Unique to this park are the cone shaped hills called kames and the water filled depressions known as kettles. The route also includes dancing prairie grasses and short stints through think forests.
Glendalough State Park
Our visit to Glendalough State Park was spent in a yurt along the shores of Annie Battle Lake. You can read more about our stay in the yurt here. Most of our time at the park was spent on the Battle Lake and Ice Ridge Trails as well as puttering around the yurt and enjoying the sounds of the ice freezing on the lake.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park is a very popular park, especially in the fall. Our family has been several times and each time the falls look different depending on the water level of the river. The most popular trails in the park are the dirt-packed/boardwalk trails that allow visitors to explore the upper, middle and lower falls. Full details of our Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse trip can be found here.
Grand Portage State Park
If you like the waterfall at Gooseberry, you’ll love Grand Portage State Park. Getting to High Falls at Grand Portage is an easy one mile round trip, boardwalk hike. Once at the falls, there are three separate viewing platforms (one of which is wheel chair accessible) to take in the beauty of the state’s highest waterfall. Our trip to Grand Portage was part of a three-night adventure on the North Shore.
Great River Bluffs State Park
We spent less than an hour at Great River Bluffs State Park on the short 0.4-mile round-trip hike to East Overlook. I would imagine in the fall, this overlook would be even more breath-taking. Our stop at Great River Bluffs was part of a 10 park tour of southeastern Minnesota State Parks.
Hayes Lake State Park
Interstate State Park
Interstate State Park is located on the St. Croix River and offers access to canoeing as well as hiking. We hiked both the River and the Railroad Trails to get from the campground to the glacial potholes area. Our adventure at Interstate was full of highlights.
Itasca State Park
Home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Itasca State Park offers an opportunity to splash in the beginning of the second-longest river in North America as well as miles of bike paths plus red and white pine forest hikes. We spent an afternoon at the park and plan to come back for more adventures in the future. Itasca is one of our favorite parks.
Jay Cooke State Park
We snowshoed the Grand Portage Trail in the northeast section of the park. Of course, we had to walk the iconic swing bridge as well. Our trip also included a stay at one of the park’s camper cabins (heated). See more on our Jay Cooke State Park adventure here.
John A. Latsch State Park
The only trail at Latsch State Park is a steep uphill trek on the Riverview Trail to Mount Charity. This is a day-use only park. Our stop here was part of a 10 park tour of southeastern Minnesota State Parks.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Judge C.R. Magney State Park is best known for its famous Devil’s Kettle Waterfall. We camped for three nights here as part of a trip to the North Shore to see several state parks. The camping is great. Large tent pads and plenty of solitude. The trail to the park’s main attraction is an easy walk from the campground. The trip to and from Devil’s Kettle is about 2 miles round trip and includes 175 stairs. Hikers first pass the upper falls on the rocky dirt path before reaching the 50-foot falls. At Devil’s Kettle, the Brule River splits over a massive volcanic boulder. One part plunges into the pool below and the other disappears into a massive pothole. Scientists just recently confirmed the water in the pothole reemerges in Lake Superior.
Kilen Woods State Park
Located in southern Minnesota, Kilen Woods State Park was a quick stop for us the day we visited the Jeffers Petroglyphs. From the Loop B campground, we hiked a 1-mile section of the Hillside Trail. We enjoyed the many wildflowers that were in bloom in late July. There is a nice interpretive sign on the trail to help identify the flowers.
Lac qui Parle State Park
Our favorite feature of Lac qui Parle State Park is the hike to Minnesota’s largest cottonwood tree. It’s enormous and was just a short hike from the upper campground. The hike starts in open prairie and then enters a grove of trees before climbing and crossing the road to the site of the tree. Also at this small state park is a replica of the chapel at Lac qui Parle Mission. The building is open to explore inside and offers great educational details on the many placards.
Lake Bemidji State Park
Lake Bemidji State Park was a family favorite because of the interesting 2.5-mile round trip Bog Walk. We parked in the tiny lot near the camper cabins where the trail begins and made our way towards Big Bog Lake. The first half mile was forest of mostly jack pine but changes quite dramatically once the boardwalk starts and the bog area begins. There are many interpretive signs along the trail explaining the bog, the peat build up beneath Big Bog Lake and the many bog flowers. Our favorite was the insect-eating Pitcher Plant.
Lake Bronson State Park
Lake Carlos State Park
We did a quick New Year’s Day hike at Lake Carlos State Park. Time spent in the woods is a great way to greet the start of a new year. We hiked a 2-mile section of the Prairie Pothole Trail near Hidden Lake. Lake Carlos State Park also has a small sledding hill and many cross-country ski trails for loads of winter fun.
Lake Louise State Park
Bikers often use Lake Louise as a base camp as it sits right on the Shooting Star State Trail. Though we weren’t biking, we enjoyed the small, quiet campground as well as a late afternoon visit to the lake and dam. Our stop here was part of a 10 park tour of southeastern Minnesota State Parks.
Lake Maria State Park
Instead of hitting the mall, we hit the trail on Black Friday at Lake Maria State Park. I love a good fall hike. Crunching leaves and crispy fall air on the Bjorkland Trail made for a great way to start the holiday season.
Lake Shetek State Park
We hiked the one-mile Loon Loop Trail at Lake Shetek State Park. Lake Shetek is the largest lake the southwestern Minnesota and is a poplar spot for angler and boaters.
Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Maplewood State Park
Situated between prairie and forest there are diverse and many trails to choose from at Maplewood State Park. Since we were in the park on a very hot 100 degree day, we chose a short loop hike around Cataract Lake. Part of the trail is also the North Country Trail and gave great lake views.
McCarthy Beach State Park
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Climbing the park’s observation tower at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park was a trip highlight for the boys. The hike to the tower is very short and easy but the 133 steps to the top of the tower will test your stamina and your nerve. If you can handle the height, the views from the top are amazing. We also hiked the Landmark Trail and learned interesting facts about life near the lake for Lakota and French Fur Traders.
Minneopa State Park
We went chasing bison and waterfalls at Minneopa State Park. The park is home to about 43 bison with viewing available from your car only. We spotted the herd cooling off in a mud pool close to the roadway. We walked the short trail to Seppman Windmill for great views of the valley. The main feature of Minneopa is the falls area. We hiked the dirt-packed trail to the base of the falls. It was a bit slippery in places, but worth a few heart skipping moments.
Monson Lake State Park
Another tiny park in west central Minnesota with a single short hiking trail is Monson Lake State Park. The trail is heavily wooded and meanders past two glacial lakes; West Sunberg and Monson. Periodically, there are peek-a-boo looks at both lakes.
Moose Lake State Park
If you’re visiting more popular parks like Banning or Jay Cooke, stop off for a short hike at Moose Lake State Park. We did the Rolling Hills and Wildlife Pond Trails for a nice mix of wooded areas, open fields and views of the park’s pond. In just over 2 miles we were able to see a good chunk of this lesser-known park.
Myre-Big Island State Park
We spent time at a remote backpacking site while visiting Myres-Big Island State Park. The mowed grass, Pelican Trail led us the 1.5 miles to our site and a couple of days of tranquility. Our visit to Myre-Big Island was part of a 10 park tour of southeastern Minnesota State Parks.
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Nerstrand’s best feature is Hidden Falls, where the Prairie Creek abruptly drops off a limestone ledge. The 20 foot Hidden Falls is easily accessed and fun to run your fingers through. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park was part of a 10 park tour of southeastern Minnesota State Parks.
Old Mill State Park
Rice Lake State Park
At Rice Lake State Park we walked to the fishing dock and the 1-mile double loop, West Trails. Our stop at Rice Lake was part of a 10 park tour of southeastern Minnesota State Parks.
St. Croix State Park
The best way to experience St. Croix State Park is from the water. Our visit included paddling 14 miles of river from the Norway Point to the Highway 70 Landing. The water was very clear and quite shallow. There were several sand bars and islands to rest, swim or enjoy a snack. Our favorite part of the St. Croix River along this stretch were a handful of mild rapids that made for a exciting ride.
Sakatah Lake State Park
The mosquitoes proved too numerous for our planned hike at Sakatah Lake State Park. We parked near the ranger station and were going to hike the Sumac Trail to catch the Big Woods Loop trail. We maybe got 100 yards before we were about to be eaten alive so we ran back to the car. This picture was taken at the trailhead to prove we were there and yes, that’s a mosquito biting my cheek as I was getting this shot.
Savanna Portage State Park
Fall color was in full effect for our day trip to Savanna Portage State Park. We opted to hike the 5.2 mile round trip Continental Divide Trail. The highlight, outside of the gorgeous foliage, was the divide where water parts ways and runs east to the St. Louis and west to the Mississippi.
Scenic State Park
With several options for hiking, there is something for everyone at Scenic State Park. We hiked the fire tower trail through virgin pines and then onto Pine Lake. We also hiked along Sandwick Lake and saw (plus heard) Trumpeter Swans while hiking out to the water access campsites. A short spur trail offers access to Lake of the Isles and some great scenery.
Schoolcraft State Park
Schoolcraft State Park has just 2 miles of hiking trails. A flat, mowed grass trail leads visitors along the banks of the Mississippi and through the pine forest. In just under an hour, you can see and experience the entire park. I suggest making this park a pit stop on the way to another park or use the water access campsite for a multi-day trip on the river.
Sibley State Park
Sibley State Park was a white, wintery wonderland when we visited. We rented a camper cabin (yes, no plumbing in the winter) and enjoyed the snowshoe trails and the sledding hill. Many state park camper cabins have heat and electricity so they are comfortable year round. The sledding hill was very fast. Our boys still talk about the night-time sledding we did and ask to stay at Sibley State Park again. You can read more about our time at Sibley here.
Split Rock Creek State Park
One of the state’s smallest parks, Split Rock Creek offers great wildflower viewing if you visit in early June. If you can’t come while the flowers are blooming, stop by the Split Rock Creek dam to see if you can spot the giant turtles below the dam.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Take the Little Two Harbors Trail for a 1.5 mile round trip journey to the water’s edge for great glimpses of this iconic North Shore lighthouse. Our stop at Split Rock Lighthouse was part of a trip that included a stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park as well.
Temperance River State Park
We stopped at Temperance River State Park on the way home from a North Shore camping trip. Access to the park is alongside Highway 61. We walked the riverside trail to see the the Temperance River Gorge. There were many young people jumping from the rocks and wading in the lagoon.
Tettegouche State Park
Tettogouche State Park is a Minnesota favorite. High Falls is the tallest waterfall entirely inside Minnesota and requires a short 3-mile round trip hike to see. If you take the loop trail to see Two Step Falls you’ll get to test your nerve as you cross the Baptism River on a swinging bridge. If you don’t mind an uphill stairway hike, it’s a short jaunt (0.4 miles) to Shovel Point for beautiful overlooks of Lake Superior. Tettegouche also has great cart in campsites. You can read more about camping at Tettegouche here.
Whitewater State Park
While touring 10 state parks in southeastern Minnesota, we spent some time at Whitewater State Park. There is so much to do in the park and it’s quite popular. We found time to climb the Chimney Rock Trail, float above the treetops on the Inspiration Point Trail and enjoy the sounds of the creek on the Trout Run Creek Trail.
Wild River State Park
Our introduction to snowshoeing came courtesy of Wild River State Park. A trek on the River Terrace Loop offered a gentle 1.4-mile tromp through the park. If you’ve never been on snowshoes, give it a try. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.
William O’Brien State Park
Spring had not quite yet sprung in Minnesota when we journeyed to William O’Brien State Park. Our trek took us on the Woodland Edge Trail, the Prairie Overlook Trail and the Beaver Lodge Trail. These routes are along mowed grass trails with gentle hills.
Zippel Bay State Park
State Recreation Areas
In addition to Minnesota’s 64 state parks, there are 9 fabulous state recreation areas. We have spent time at a couple and share some of our experiences below.
La Salle Lake State Recreation Area
Established in 2011, La Salle Lake State Recreation Area is Minnesota’s newest state park. We stopped in after our adventures at Itasca State Park. We hiked the River Overlook Trail and marveled at the wildflowers blooming in late June.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Our time at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area was spent making winter outdoor meals, hiking the trails surrounding Yawkey Lake, building snow forts and enjoying a winter camp fire. You can read more about our time in the yurt here.
Hopefully, our stops at the various state parks have inspired you to get outside and see the beauty and wonder that Minnesota’s natural landscapes have to offer. If before or after your adventures you’re looking sweet treat or a meal, see our posts on Minnesota’s donut shops, ice cream parlors and drive-in restaurants.
Happy Adventuring, Rochelle
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