8 National & State Parks In Minnesota You Have To Visit
Minnesota is endowed with some of America’s most important natural features, and is even dubbed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes." Across this state are many other exceptional traits, from the start of the continent’s disputed longest river, to rugged coastlines constantly pounded by monster waves, and lush forests sliced by rivers and full of wildlife. All of these endowments and more are currently preserved and open for exploration in the state and national parks listed below. From a park with a wild river offering up to Class IV rapids, to one with a 20-mile trail leading to secluded wilderness areas, these parks in Minnesota are exciting destinations you have to visit.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park covers a 1,687-acre area on the North Shore of Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake. Located near the town of Two Harbors, it comprises the Gooseberry River and several waterfalls, including the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. Over 20 miles of trails offer access to these falls, and the Fifth Falls Loop is the most exciting to explore. This trail is three miles long and crosses a bridge above the river, leading to the aforementioned waterfalls and connecting to the Superior Hiking Trail. The park’s trails also have areas for picnicking and swimming along the river. Additionally, the park hosts a small beach at the mouth of the river, as well as dozens of campsites, and wildlife such as Canadian lynx and black bear.
Itasca State Park
Located near Park Rapids, Itasca State Park is America’s natural treasure, being home to the official source of the iconic Mississippi River, the longest river in North America. It is also Minnesota’s oldest park and second-oldest in the country, established in August 1891. At 32,690 acres, it is one of the largest preserves in the state, boasting a heavily forested landscape featuring virgin red pines, some as old as two centuries. Hence, the park offers a captivating mix of pine-rich forest and river beauty, and that translates to activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, canoeing, and fishing. Travelers here will be met with over 45 miles of hiking and biking trails, including a 9.6-mile section of the North Country National Scenic Trail that extends for about 4,800 miles from North Dakota to Vermont.
Itasca State Park is also historic, with notable must-visit sites including the Pioneer Cemetery, where early European pioneers were buried, and Douglas Lodge, built in 1905. The headwaters of the Mississippi River on Lake Itasca are also a must-visit, as it is the starting point of the river’s 2,340-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Moreover, there’s a swimming beach on Lake Itasca with a picnic shelter and playground, plus the 100-foot Alton Heights Observation Tower is in the park to offer panoramic views. A few campsites are available for extended stays, and travelers are encouraged to keep an eye out for wildlife such as timber wolves, owls, and bald eagles.
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is a great place to witness Minnesota’s aquatic allure, as it is mainly about water resources, plus it is the state's only national park. Covering a whopping 218,000-acre area, this park comprises many rivers and lakes, including four large lakes, with the largest encompassing a 360 square mile area. Thus, the park is a haven for kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing, and even Kabetogama Peninsula, the mainland area in the park, is only accessible by boat. However, hikers have more than 50 miles of trails to explore within the park, one of which is the Kab-Ash Trail. This trail is the park’s only trail that can be accessed without a boat, and it stretches over 20 miles through the dense forests, offering true solitude and occasional sights and sounds of wildlife. In addition, Voyageurs National Park has over 250 campsites, and it is a prime destination for stargazing.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is a natural jewel on Lake Superior’s North Shore, famous for hosting Split Rock Lighthouse. Built in 1910 after tragic shipwrecks on Lake Superior, this jaw-dropping landmark on a cliff is now arguably the most photographed lighthouse in the United States. Visitors are invited to tour the lighthouse and see three keepers’ houses, a Fog Signal Building, and a visitor center. Besides the lighthouse, however, the park is naturally stunning as it is characterized by a rocky shoreline, a river, waterfalls, volcanic rock, and lush forests. Over 14 miles of trails are available for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Day Hill Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park, stretching 0.6 miles and leading to an overlook with unobstructed views of Lake Superior, the lighthouse, and lush trees. Meanwhile, the park’s waters are ideal for boating, kayaking, and fishing, and there’s a beach on the lake’s shore for swimming, while campers have over 20 campsites to choose from.
Bear Head Lake State Park
Voted America’s favorite park in 2010, Bear Head Lake State Park is a 5,540-acre gem in Minnesota. The park is near Ely, and encompasses the 670-acre Bear Head Lake and other smaller lakes, including Eagle’s Nest Lake, Grassy Lake, Cub Lake, and Blueberry Lake. These lakes are surrounded by massive woodlands, which makes the park a playground for hiking and water sports. While the lakes set the stage for fishing, kayaking, and swimming, over 17 miles of trails are available to take hikers through dense forests, inhabited by wildlife such as wolves, deer, and chipmunks. Furthermore, Bear Head Lake State Park has a drive-in campground with dozens of campsites equipped with electricity and other basic amenities.
Whitewater State Park
Whitewater State Park is a 2,700-acre park near St. Charles with so much scenery and adventures to offer. This park preserves a section of the Whitewater River flanked by rocky bluffs coated in lush greenery, and visitors are invited to soak in the scenery from overlooks, one of which is the Chimney Rock Overlook. This overlook is accessible via the 0.7-mile Chimney Rock Trail and presents enchanting views of the river as it flows through the tree-covered valley. The park’s 10-mile trail system ensures travelers can further explore the area’s natural treasures. In addition, there’s a sandy swimming beach along the river for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. Trout fishing can also be enjoyed in the Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek, while over 100 campsites and cabins provide great camping experiences.
Banning State Park
Banning State Park is a hidden gem in Minnesota, characterized by dramatic sandstone cliffs, dense forests, thundering waterfalls, and the wild 10-mile stretch of the Kettle River. Located near Sandstone, this park is best known for its river, which produces rapids ranging from Class I to IV as it tumbles over rocks. Thrillseekers are invited to this park to battle it out with the rapids while enjoying the scenery and getting soaked. The river is also ideal for fishing, but there’s more to the park than this wild water body. Banning State Park has 17 miles of trails, offering access to its dramatic landscape. For instance, the 2.6-mile Quarry Loop Trail begins from the park’s parking area and winds through lush trees, rock walls, structures left behind by a defunct quarry, and other stunning rock formations. More features of the park include over 30 campsites, waterfalls, and picnic areas.
Tettegouche State Park
The North shore of Lake Superior is home to many state parks, and Tettegouche State Park is one of the largest and most impressive. Encompassing 9,346 acres around the lake, the park features six fish-stocked lakes, a beach, and the Baptism River, which has several falls, including High Falls, the highest waterfall in Minnesota at 63 feet. Over 22 miles of trails are in the park, including 12 miles of the Superior Hiking Trail, providing access to waterfalls and the dramatic landscape. Kayaking and boating can also be enjoyed in the park’s lakes, plus well-equipped campsites and cabins offer pleasurable camping experiences.
Notably, Tettegouche State Park is one of the few preserves in Minnesota where rock climbing can be enjoyed. As for wildlife lovers, the park hosts a variety of species, some of which include black bear, red fox, and river otter.
Minnesota’s natural wealth is enough reason to visit, live, or retire to the state. Only a few places in the world have so many lakes packed into an 86,000 square mile area, alongside lush forests, rocky landscapes, and an abundance of wildlife. Across the parks mentioned above, even more of the state’s incredible wonders await to amaze travelers, including some impressive manmade structures. And while these parks in Minnesota are best visited in the warm season, the cold months also come with impressive scenery and plenty of snow to delight winter sports lovers. Visit these Minnesota Parks today and experience a true retreat in nature.
