Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, but it’s also the land of 64 state parks. Ranging from wetlands to forests to prairies, these parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in a vast array of landscapes. GearJunkie used to be headquartered in Minneapolis (and we’ve still got family there), so we’ve got plenty of intel on the best spots to get outside, plus tips about camping and must-do activities.
Jay Cooke State Park
The St. Louis River, the largest tributary of Lake Superior, has carved up the rock here to create unique gorges, rock formations, and valleys. The swinging bridge high up across the river is a real highlight.
Location: 18 miles from Duluth, Minn.
Things to note: The terrain here can be rocky and uneven, so be sure to wear sturdy footwear. Due to dangerous currents, swimming is prohibited.
Must-do activity: The 3.5-mile Silver Creek Loop takes visitors to many of the park’s must-visit sights, including the bridge, St. Louis River, and Silver Creek. In the spring, it comes alive with wildflowers.
Trails: With 50 miles of trails, there’s plenty to explore in this park. Those looking for a challenge should check out the more rugged 5-mile Carlton Trail, which demands steep climbs in exchange for awesome views.
Camping: Visitors can choose from 79 drive-in sites, 21 electric sites, four backpacker sites, and two camper cabins. Almost all of the campsites close in the winter, except for 12 drive-in sites.
Myre–Big Island State Park
With wet lowlands, oak savanna, a lake, and grasslands, this park in southern Minnesota has got it all. The wetlands attract many migratory birds, making it one of the best bird-watching spots in the state. In the middle of Albert Lea Lake lies the 116-acre Big Island.
Location: 60 miles from Rochester, Minn.
Things to note: The raccoons and squirrels here can be food-motivated, so be sure to securely store food.
Must-do activity: Rent or bring your own canoe, kayak, or SUP and spend the day exploring the lake and the island.
Trails: Visitors can enjoy 16 miles of hiking trails, as well as a paved 6-mile biking trail that connects to the town of Albert Lea. Many hiking trails here share access with mountain bikers. The 1.4-mile Big Island Loop is popular with birders.
Camping: The two campgrounds here offer 93 drive-in sites, 32 electric sites, and four backpack sites. Be sure to reserve in advance during the busy summer season.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park
Located just across the border from Iowa, Beaver Creek Valley State Park is close to Rochester, Minn., and makes for a great day trip. The creek is an excellent spot for trout fishing, and in spring, the park is home to some of the best wildflower viewing in the state. Bird watchers will also have a field day; the Department of Natural Resources even has a checklist for birders.
Location: 26 miles from La Crosse, Wisc.
Things to note: Anglers should be sure to obtain a fishing license.
Must-do activity: Hike 0.5 miles to The Big Spring, an impressive natural spring that farmers once used as a cooling system for dairy.
Trails: Follow the park’s trails to explore its many landscapes, including prairies and oak savannas. The 0.4-mile Switchback Trail takes hikers to a scenic overlook over the bluffs. The 1.2-mile Hole-in-Rock Trail is great in the fall for leaf peeping.
Camping: The park has 42 drive-in sites, 16 electric sites, and one cabin that is ADA-accessible and can fit five people. For those seeking a slightly more remote experience, there are nine cart-in sites located 100–180 yards from parking lots. Find more information and reserve here.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
When we reached out to Minnesota natives about state parks, this one came up time and time again; Gooseberry Falls was even voted the number-one state park in America by USA Today. There are several short, accessible trails to see the striking quartet of waterfalls here, as well as the shoreline of Lake Superior.
Location: 40 miles from Duluth, Minn.
Things to note: Visitors should not bring firewood from other areas, as it can spread invasive species. Only burn approved firewood.
Must-do activity: Hike the Fifth Falls Trail, a 3.1-mile loop that takes you to all four waterfalls. The trail is relatively flat and should be approachable for most people.
Trails: Minnesota is home to a long-distance hiking trail, the Superior Hiking Trail, which passes through Gooseberry Falls and many other nearby state parks. The park is also home to 2.5 miles of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, a paved path for bikes.
Camping: There are 69 basic drive-in campsites (no electricity) and three group campsites that can fit 50 people each. Reserve in advance online.
Itasca State Park
Itasca State Park is the birthplace of one of the most iconic waterways in the world: the Mississippi River. The Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center is a terrific opportunity to learn more about the natural and cultural history of this mighty river. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit in the winter, where snow transforms the old-growth forest into something out of a fairy tale.
Location: 100 miles from Fargo, N.D.
Things to note: The park’s historic Douglas Lodge, built in 1905, offers lodging and has a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also manages one-, two-, and three-bedroom cabins that are open from Memorial Day to the first weekend in October.
Must-do activity: Check the events calendar to attend a naturalist program. These free educational opportunities include guided nature walks, night hikes, history talks, and kid-friendly scavenger hunts.
Trails: The park is home to 49 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of paved biking trails. In the winter, there are 13 miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails. If you’re only there for an afternoon, don’t miss the 1.5-mile Headwaters Trail Loop.
Camping: The two campgrounds here have 223 drive-in sites, 160 electric sites, and 11 cart-in sites. There are also 11 backpacking sites, which are 1–5 miles away from parking.
Whitewater State Park
If you’ve visited Minnesota in the summer, you’ve undoubtedly experienced the one major con to the outdoors here: mosquitoes. The swarms can be quite bad around many lakes, but Whitewater State Park is actually known for being an oasis away from these pesky bugs. It’s also a prime fishing spot for trout, and there’s a sandy beach perfect for spending a lazy weekend afternoon.
Location: 30 miles from Rochester, Minn.
Things to note: In addition to camping, there are two ADA-accessible camper cabins at the park that are available to reserve.
Must-do activity: The 0.7-mile Chimney Rock Trail climbs up stairs to offer spectacular vistas of limestone bluffs and ravines.
Trails: There are 10 miles of trails here. The 2-mile Trout Run Creek Trail and 1-mile Meadow Trail are great picks if you’ve got kids in tow.
Camping: There are 110 drive-in sites, 85 electric sites, eight cart-in sites, and three group campsites. Learn more here.
Cascade River State Park
The northern region of Minnesota on the shore of Lake Superior is one of the state’s most scenic regions, and Cascade River State Park is one of the area’s standout state parks. The park is home to a series of five waterfalls and is connected to Superior National Forest.
Location: 10 miles from Grand Marais, Minn.
Things to note: Just down the road from the park lies Cascade Restaurant & Pub, where you can grab a hefty burger for a post-hike meal.
Must-do activity: The 0.5-mile Cascade River Lower Loop takes hikers to gorges and waterfalls through shady pine, fir, and spruce trees.
Trails: There are 18 miles of trails in the park, and it’s an access point for the Superior Hiking Trail. The 3.5-mile Lookout Mountain Loop climbs up the namesake mountain for views of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains.
Camping: Available sites include 19 rustic, 21 electric, five backpack, and two group sites. The maximum length of RVs is 35 feet.
Fees & Passes
Any visitor to a Minnesota State Park must have a vehicle pass. One-day permits cost $7, while year-round passes cost $35, so if you plan on visiting multiple parks, the annual pass is a much better deal. Learn more about how to purchase one here.
Campsites cost anywhere from $20 to $35 per night, depending on whether they have electric hook-ups. All reservations carry an $8 online fee (or $10 if the reservation is made over the phone).
