Afton State Park (Hastings, MN) – Nestled along the scenic St. Croix River, this park features rolling prairies, wooded ravines, and dramatic bluffs, making it a favorite for hiking, camping, and birdwatching near the Twin Cities.
Banning State Park (Sandstone, MN) – Home to the rushing Kettle River, Banning State Park offers dramatic sandstone cliffs, historic ruins from a 19th-century quarry, and some of Minnesota’s best whitewater rapids.
Bear Head Lake State Park (Ely, MN) – A pristine Northwoods park known for its tranquil lakes, dense pine forests, and abundant wildlife, Bear Head Lake is an ideal destination for canoeing, fishing, and spotting moose near the Boundary Waters.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park (Caledonia, MN) – Located in southeastern Minnesota’s Bluff Country, this hidden gem features spring-fed trout streams, lush forested valleys, and rugged limestone bluffs, perfect for peaceful hikes and fly fishing.
Big Bog State Recreation Area (Waskish, MN) – Featuring the largest peat bog in the lower 48 states, this unique park offers a mile-long boardwalk through an otherworldly landscape of rare plants, black spruce, and carnivorous pitcher plants.
Big Stone Lake State Park (Ortonville, MN) – Straddling the Minnesota-South Dakota border, this lakeside park provides excellent fishing, boating, and birdwatching along the 26-mile-long Big Stone Lake, a glacial remnant.
Blue Mounds State Park (Luverne, MN) – Famous for its towering Sioux quartzite cliffs and roaming bison herd, this southwestern Minnesota park offers hiking through vast prairies with stunning sunset views.
Buffalo River State Park (Glyndon, MN) – A beautiful mix of rolling prairies, hardwood forests, and a sandy swimming beach, Buffalo River State Park is a peaceful retreat near Fargo, North Dakota.
Camden State Park (Lynd, MN) – Featuring wooded river valleys, spring-fed swimming ponds, and scenic overlooks, Camden State Park is a lush oasis in southwestern Minnesota.
Carley State Park (Plainview, MN) – A quiet retreat known for its spring wildflowers, particularly bluebells, and scenic hiking trails along the meandering Whitewater River.
Cascade River State Park (Lutsen, MN) – Located along Minnesota’s North Shore, this park features a series of cascading waterfalls, rugged Lake Superior cliffs, and access to the Superior Hiking Trail.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park (Little Falls, MN) – Once the childhood home of the famous aviator, this historic park combines scenic hiking trails with exhibits about Lindbergh’s life and the Mississippi River’s rich history.
Crow Wing State Park (Brainerd, MN) – Preserving the site of a once-thriving frontier town, Crow Wing offers peaceful hiking along the Mississippi River, historic ruins, and abundant wildlife.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (Ironton, MN) – A former iron mining site transformed into an outdoor adventure destination, featuring crystal-clear mine lakes, world-class mountain biking trails, and excellent scuba diving opportunities.
Father Hennepin State Park (Isle, MN) – Located on the shores of Mille Lacs Lake, this park offers sandy beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a chance to spot the area’s famous white deer.
Flandrau State Park (New Ulm, MN) – A unique mix of wooded riverbanks and open meadows, Flandrau features a sand-bottom swimming pond and access to the Cottonwood River.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park (Preston, MN) – A fascinating blend of historic sites and underground wonders, this park features a restored 1800s village and the longest cave in Minnesota, complete with stunning stalactites and underground pools.
Fort Ridgely State Park (Fairfax, MN) – Once the site of a key battle in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, this park blends history with hiking trails, horseback riding, and scenic prairies.
Fort Snelling State Park (St. Paul, MN) – Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, this urban park offers miles of trails, rich history, and diverse wildlife just minutes from downtown Minneapolis.
Franz Jevne State Park (Birchdale, MN) – A secluded gem along the Rainy River, this small park offers rustic camping, excellent fishing, and peaceful scenery near the Canadian border.
Frontenac State Park (Frontenac, MN) – Perched on bluffs overlooking Lake Pepin, this park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with stunning Mississippi River Valley views and vibrant fall foliage.
Garden Island State Recreation Area (Lake of the Woods, MN) – An isolated, boat-in-only park in Lake of the Woods, offering rustic camping and excellent walleye fishing in a remote setting.
George H. Crosby Manitou State Park (Finland, MN) – A true backcountry wilderness experience, this North Shore park features remote backpacking campsites, rugged trails, and waterfalls along the Manitou River.
Glacial Lakes State Park (Starbuck, MN) – A beautiful reminder of Minnesota’s glacial past, this park features rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, and excellent stargazing opportunities.
Glendalough State Park (Battle Lake, MN) – A quiet, non-motorized lake park perfect for paddling, hiking, and spotting wildlife in a restored prairie landscape.
Gooseberry Falls State Park (Two Harbors, MN) – One of Minnesota’s most iconic parks, featuring stunning waterfalls, Lake Superior shorelines, and access to the Superior Hiking Trail.
Grand Portage State Park (Grand Portage, MN) – Home to Minnesota’s tallest waterfall, the 120-foot High Falls on the Pigeon River, this park offers a glimpse into Ojibwe heritage and rugged Northwoods beauty.
Great River Bluffs State Park (Winona, MN) – Featuring dramatic limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, this park offers breathtaking views and excellent hiking trails.
Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area (Litchfield, MN) – A newer state recreation area with a mix of wetlands, lakes, and woodlands, perfect for quiet exploration.
Hayes Lake State Park (Roseau, MN) – A remote northern Minnesota park featuring a peaceful lake, boreal forest trails, and abundant wildlife, including black bears and moose.
Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls, MN) – Known for its ancient glacial potholes and stunning St. Croix River scenery, this park offers rock climbing and scenic hiking.
Iron Range OHV State Recreation Area (Gilbert, MN) – A haven for off-road enthusiasts, offering miles of rugged ATV, dirt bike, and OHV trails on reclaimed mining land.
Itasca State Park (Park Rapids, MN) – Minnesota’s oldest state park and the headwaters of the Mississippi River, featuring towering pines, pristine lakes, and historic sites.
Jay Cooke State Park (Carlton, MN) – Famous for its dramatic swinging bridge over the St. Louis River, this park offers scenic river rapids, rugged terrain, and excellent hiking.
John A. Latsch State Park (Winona, MN) – A small but rewarding park featuring a steep climb to scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park (Grand Marais, MN) – Best known for the mysterious Devil’s Kettle waterfall, where half of the Brule River disappears into a hole in the rock.
Kilen Woods State Park (Lakefield, MN) – A quiet southwestern Minnesota park featuring scenic river views, rolling prairies, and diverse wildlife.
La Salle Lake State Recreation Area (Bemidji, MN) – A hidden gem with Minnesota’s deepest inland lake, offering excellent fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
Lac qui Parle State Park (Watson, MN) – Meaning “lake that speaks,” this park is a major waterfowl migration stop and a peaceful place for paddling and hiking.
Lake Bemidji State Park (Bemidji, MN) – Located on the shores of Lake Bemidji, this park features old-growth pine forests, scenic bog walks, and easy access to the Mississippi headwaters.
Lake Bronson State Park (Lake Bronson, MN) – A peaceful retreat in northwestern Minnesota, this park features a large reservoir, sandy beaches, and an observation tower with sweeping views of the prairie-forest transition zone.
Lake Carlos State Park (Carlos, MN) – Nestled in Minnesota’s lake country, this park offers rolling woodlands, scenic lake views, and a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, and horseback riding.
Lake Louise State Park (Le Roy, MN) – A quiet southeastern Minnesota park where the Upper Iowa River flows through rolling meadows, offering scenic hiking, rustic camping, and excellent birdwatching.
Lake Maria State Park (Monticello, MN) – A unique park preserving one of Minnesota’s last remaining stands of old-growth maple-basswood forest, perfect for hiking, backpack camping, and spotting rare Blanding’s turtles.
Lake Shetek State Park (Currie, MN) – Centered around southwestern Minnesota’s largest lake, this park is a haven for boaters, anglers, and history lovers, with sites commemorating early pioneer settlements.
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park (Soudan, MN) – A fascinating mix of history and adventure, this park offers mine tours descending half a mile underground alongside breathtaking views of Lake Vermilion’s scenic shoreline.
Maplewood State Park (Pelican Rapids, MN) – A stunning park known for its rolling maple-covered hills, vibrant fall colors, and pristine lakes ideal for canoeing and fishing.
McCarthy Beach State Park (Side Lake, MN) – Offering one of Minnesota’s best swimming beaches, this northern park features clear waters, tall red pines, and quiet backcountry hiking trails.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (Onamia, MN) – A place of rich Native American history, this park features ancient archaeological sites, scenic views from a fire tower, and access to Mille Lacs Lake.
Minneopa State Park (Mankato, MN) – Home to a spectacular double waterfall and a herd of roaming bison, this park combines stunning scenery with prairie restoration efforts.
Monson Lake State Park (Sunburg, MN) – A peaceful refuge in west-central Minnesota, this small park offers quiet fishing spots, waterfowl habitat, and a site of historical significance from the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.
Moose Lake State Park (Moose Lake, MN) – A gateway to the Northwoods, this park offers excellent fishing, camping, and a geology center showcasing Lake Superior agates.
Myre-Big Island State Park (Albert Lea, MN) – A mix of wetlands, woodlands, and prairies, this southern Minnesota park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially during migration seasons.
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park (Nerstrand, MN) – Home to one of the last remnants of Minnesota’s once-vast Big Woods forest, this park features Hidden Falls and stunning spring wildflowers.
Old Mill State Park (Argyle, MN) – A historic site in northwestern Minnesota featuring a working 1880s gristmill, prairie landscapes, and a scenic river.
Red River State Recreation Area (East Grand Forks, MN) – A unique urban recreation area along the Red River, offering trails, camping, and a connection to the Greenway system.
Rice Lake State Park (Owatonna, MN) – A peaceful retreat in southern Minnesota, this park is a prime spot for paddling and birdwatching, especially for migrating waterfowl.
St. Croix State Park (Hinckley, MN) – Minnesota’s largest state park, offering 34,000 acres of forests, rivers, and trails for hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing along the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers.
Sakatah Lake State Park (Waterville, MN) – A scenic park along the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, featuring a mix of oak woodlands, prairie, and access to Sakatah Lake for boating and fishing.
Savanna Portage State Park (McGregor, MN) – A historic wilderness park featuring a challenging 4-mile portage trail used by Native Americans and fur traders for centuries.
Scenic State Park (Bigfork, MN) – True to its name, this park offers stunning views of old-growth pine forests, crystal-clear lakes, and peaceful canoe routes in northern Minnesota.
Schoolcraft State Park (Deer River, MN) – A small but serene park along the Mississippi River, featuring a tranquil setting for camping, canoeing, and exploring old-growth pine stands.
Sibley State Park (New London, MN) – One of Minnesota’s most popular parks, offering panoramic views from Mount Tom, rolling prairies, and diverse wildlife.
Split Rock Creek State Park (Pipestone, MN) – A hidden gem in southwestern Minnesota, featuring a lake formed by a historic dam built of Sioux quartzite, excellent for fishing and kayaking.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (Two Harbors, MN) – Home to the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse, this North Shore park offers stunning Lake Superior views, rugged hiking trails, and a connection to the Superior Hiking Trail.
Temperance River State Park (Schroeder, MN) – Known for its dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and sheer rock walls carved by the Temperance River before it meets Lake Superior.
Tettegouche State Park (Silver Bay, MN) – A must-visit North Shore destination with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, inland lakes, and excellent hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail.
Upper Sioux Agency State Park (Granite Falls, MN) – A park rich in Dakota history, featuring rolling prairies, river valleys, and equestrian trails.
Whitewater State Park (Altura, MN) – A picturesque southeastern Minnesota park with limestone bluffs, trout streams, and scenic hiking through the Whitewater River Valley.
Wild River State Park (Center City, MN) – A peaceful park along the St. Croix River, offering excellent canoeing, wildlife viewing, and miles of hiking and ski trails.
William O’Brien State Park (Marine on St. Croix, MN) – A popular destination near the Twin Cities, featuring scenic river views, diverse habitats, and year-round recreation.
Zippel Bay State Park (Williams, MN) – A northern Minnesota gem on Lake of the Woods, offering sandy beaches, fishing, and excellent birdwatching along the remote shoreline.