Minnesota has more than 50 parks, with the vast majority being located within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. That said, it can be hard to navigate what's out there and where it is. So, here are ten must-see parks in Minnesota that are worth travelers’ time and money.
10 Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park is located along the shore of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota. Established in 1937, it's home to many recreational activities, including 18 miles of hiking trails and mountain biking trails. Travelers can also see white-tailed deer, Canadian lynx, black bear, timber wolf, and marten here. The various layers of lava along the Gooseberry River that provide a panoramic view are top tourist attractions in this park.
9 Itasca State Park
Itasca State Park is a great place to camp, hike, and fish. Located north of Park Rapids, Minnesota, this park contains several lakes and old-growth pine forests. There are over 200 bird species encompassing bald eagles, loons, ducks, grebes, and herons. Bird watching is popular here year-round, so nature lovers can have a glimpse of these majestic creatures as they fly overhead or swim in the water nearby. Horseback riding or biking through the forested trails is another popular activity at this park. It provides plenty of opportunities for getting outside without worrying about cars speeding past the head.
8 Jay Cooke State Park
The Jay Cooke State Park is a popular spot for hiking and camping. The park boasts over 50 miles of hiking trails, including the Lake Superior Trail. Tourists can enjoy scenic overlooks over the Saint Louis River and its tributaries. Travelers can also find wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, black bears, and wolf packs. Park’s facilities include extensive campgrounds, playgrounds for kids, and picnicking areas. Guests can engage in activities such as kayaking, biking, and nature walks.
7 Cascade River State Park
Cascade River State Park is located in the far northern part of Minnesota. It's known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife, including moose, wolves, and pine martens. The park has extensive trails for hiking or mountain biking, as well as cross-country skiing in wintertime. The park also offers camping opportunities all year round. The series of waterfalls along the Cascade River provides a breathtaking view.
6 Temperance River State Park
Temperance River State Park is located North Shore of Superior, Minnesota. The park offers hiking opportunities for those who want to explore the beautiful birch and spruce forests that surround Lake Superior. There are also scenic overlooks with panoramic views of the lake from atop these hills. This park offers camping year-round and has a series of waterfalls along the Temperance River. Vacationers can also fish or enjoy a nature walk around the river.
5 Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is located on the northern tip of Lake Superior, just east of Duluth. It’s a perfect place to go hiking and fishing. But if travelers want to see the park in all its glory, it’s advisable to rent a kayak or take an excursion. The park has plenty of activities for everyone, from biking on its trails to hiking. Visitors can also camp here.
4 Interstate State Park
Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Interstate State Park allows tourists to take in incredible views. There are several hiking trails here that visitors can explore for beautiful views. Visitors can also camp for a night or two or spend an entire weekend exploring the park by car, bike, or foot. The more vacationers explore, the more they'll discover about this unique spot. Guests will also get to see historic lighthouses, skip stones along a calm lake, and enjoy a cool night out under the stars.
3 Bear Head Lake State Park
Bear Head Lake State Park is a great place for boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking. It's located in the Boundary Waters region of Minnesota's North Shore. The park has several lakes with rocky ridges and hills interspersed with lakes and bogs. These natural phenomena provide a good habitat for wildlife like moose, black bears, timber wolves, and lynx. The park also features some large mammals, such as moose, that can be seen from summer through fall.
2 Blue Mounds State Park
Blue Mounds State Park is located in Rock County near Luverne. It offers a variety of hiking trails as well as opportunities to view wild animals like bison. The park also has some beautiful bluffs that offer great views of Lake Superior. The park has one small reservoir for swimming. There’s also a large water body that can support canoeing. Blue Mounds State Park has a well-maintained campground with all amenities to facilitate maximum comfort.
1 Scenic State Park
Scenic State Park is located near Bigfork in Itasca County. The park covers portions of Lake of Isles, Tell Lake, and Cedar Lake. The park has several campsites along lakesides as well as backcountry sites. It happens throughout the summer months when water levels allow for swimming or boating on either lake. Hiking trails lead through various ecosystems, including pine forests with larch trees that tower over hikers as they walk along forest paths.