Minnesota State Parks

1. Bear Head Lake State Park

Bear Head Lake State Park is one of Minnesota’s most popular outdoor recreational areas. It’s got stunning scenic views to take in, not unlike ones you’ll come across in the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The most popular visitor activities are hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating on the 5,540-acre property.

The park has been voted “America’s Favorite Park” in the past, and rightly so because there is so much there for visitors of all ages to see and do. During the summer, people come from far and wide to take a dip in their sandy swimming beach, but other things you can do also include canoeing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Bear Head Lake State Park, Address: 9301 Bear Head State Park Road, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-235-2520

2. Blue Mounds State Park

Located near the town of Luverne, Blue Mounds State Park is named after an escarpment of Precambrian Sioux Quartzite bedrock. Though the structure is more pink, it appeared to be blue to early settlers who saw it from a distance. One of the most popular activities in the park is rock climbing; other things you can do also include swimming in the small reservoir or visiting the park’s interpretive center which was once the home of author Frederick Manfred. Another unique aspect of the park is that it protects a herd of American bison, which grazes there on a large prairie remnant.

Blue Mounds State Park, Address: 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, Phone: 507-283-6050

3. Cascade River State Park

Cascade River State Park can be found on the northern shore of Lake Superior; because of its rugged and rocky location, you’ll be sure to come across a diverse variety of flora and fauna while you’re there.

Some of the things people like to do during their visit are explore and photograph the scenic areas along the lake and river, go fishing, wet their feet in the waterfalls, or enjoy themselves while hiking or camping. There are seven picnic sites in the park, one of which is under a grove of cedar trees and is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire park.

Cascade River State Park, Address: West, 3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612, Phone: 218-387-6000

4. Frontenac State Park

Since 1957 Frontenac State Park has been a popular place for visitors to spend the day outdoors. The park is most recognized for its rich and diverse history as well as an amazing bird watching site since it houses an array of residential and migratory bird species. There are several trails you can hike through, many of them which loop for a perfect exploratory opportunity; the trails are groomed for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing during the winter season.

Other recreational activities available there are camping, sledding, swimming, and fishing for channel catfish, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, and other fish in Lake Pepin.

Frontenac State Park, Address: 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN 55026, Phone: 651-345-3401

5. Glacial Lakes State Park

Glacial Lakes State Park was founded in 1963 as a means of preserving some of the remaining rolling prairie, which can’t be found a lot these days, but once covered much of the state. The park and the surrounding area contain many glacial landforms because of its location near the Wisconsinan glaciation. Located in the Leaf Mountains, the 2,423-acre park is filled with flora and fauna that reside in the woodlands and prairies.

Other than wildlife viewing, you’ll also be able to go boating, fishing, swimming, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Stargazing is also extremely popular at the park because of its remote location with low light pollution.

Glacial Lakes State Park, Address: 25022 Co Rd 41, Starbuck, MN 56381, Phone: 320-239-2860

6. Gooseberry Falls State Park

Gooseberry Falls State Park was established in 1937, through the area around Gooseberry Falls was preserved long before that. To get a really in-depth understanding of the area and its history, be sure to start your visit at the Joseph N. Alexander Visitor Center; inside you will find several interpretive displays and exhibits, a cinema screening room, and a gift shop full of local souvenirs.

Afterwards, you can spend your time on either the 18 miles of hiking trails or 8 miles of mountain biking trails - both of which connect to the Superior Hiking Trail. Those who enjoy camping can choose to stay in one of the park’s seventy non-electric camping sites that are available all year long.

Gooseberry Falls State Park , Address: 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, Phone: 218-595-7100

7. Grand Portage State Park

Established in 1989, Grand Portage State Park is a 278-acre outdoor space that can be found right alongside the Canada - United States border. It is the only U.S. state park that is jointly managed by a state as well as the Grand Portage Indian Reservation.

The first destination visitors usually go to when they are in the park is usually either High Falls or Middle Falls; High Falls is a popular option with many because the trail is paved and has a boardwalk which leads directly to the falls, making it accessible by wheelchair. Other activities you can participate in are exploring the monument and the historic gardens, learning all about the Ojibwe, or getting up close and personal with the flora and fauna that can be found there.

Grand Portage State Park , Address: 9393 MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605, Phone: 218-475-2360

8. Interstate State Park

The visitor center at Interstate State Park is one of the best places to get started when you decide to spend a day there. It is a beautiful outdoor space but its most popular feature is its Glacial Potholes Area. It is an experience that shouldn’t be missed as you’ll get the opportunity to look into the world’s deepest explored pothole.

Pothole viewing is a popular activity there and you’ll often see visitors exploring potholes of all different sizes along the river gorge. Some of the park’s other highlights are canoeing, camping, fishing, rock climbing, and enjoying the scenic river views.

Interstate State Park, Address: 307 Milltown Ct., Taylors Falls, MN 55084, Phone: 651-465-5711

9. Itasca State Park

Start your journey into Itasca State Park by stopping by at the Jacob B. Brower Visitor Center, where you’ll get a really good idea about the history and events that have shaped the park over the years. You can also head on over to the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center where you can take in the many outdoor interpretive displays which are housed there.

Spend your time at the park hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring the historic sites and unique ecosystems which can be seen there. After an adventurous day, head on over to the cafeteria-style restaurant Headwaters Cafe for refreshing drink or warm meal.

Itasca State Park, Address: 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470, Phone: 218-699-7251

10. Jay Cooke State Park

Jay Cooke State Park has so many interesting and unique features which can’t be experienced elsewhere. For example, one of the first things that you should do once you get to the park is walk across the iconic Swinging Bridge which sways above the St. Louis River.

To get a really amazing panoramic view of the St. Louis River and the surrounding valley, hike up to Oldenburg Point. On your way there you’re sure to come across some wonderful historic structures which were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Other aspects of the park which shouldn’t be missed are Pioneer Cemetery and Thomson Dam.

Jay Cooke State Park, Address: 780 Highway 210, Carlton, MN 55718, Phone: 218-673-7000