10 Best State Parks in Minnesota

If you are a new homebuyer with an avid interest in outdoor recreation, look no further than the North Star State. Minnesota’s natural wonders offer endless opportunities for residents to get outside and enjoy breathtaking views. Imagine coming home from work, grabbing your gear, and hitting the nearby trails with ease. Every day is a breath of fresh air when you live in Minnesota.

A vast wilderness and gorgeous landscape feature hundreds of parks in all shapes, sizes, and activity offerings. The Land of 10,000 Lakes (though it’s actually closer to 12,000) offers plenty of opportunities for both land and water recreation in every season. The wide variety of options suits all ages, from summer camping and canoeing to winter dog sledding.

If you’re considering moving to Minnesota and want to learn more about the popular places to camp, fish, and swim across the state, then look no further. Here are the top 10 state parks in Minnesota:

1. Tettegouche State Park

Google Rating: 4.9

For stunning views of rocky lakeside cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and giant pine trees, travel 208 miles from St Paul to visit the Tettegouche State Park. Experience hiking from the cliffs to capture soaring views or try your hand at rock climbing with an experienced crew. Enjoy a restful afternoon on a gravel beach where the Baptism River meets Lake Superior. Panoramic views of Lake Superior are framed by majestic pine trees and a gorgeous sunset backdrop. Visitors often enjoy year-round camping, hiking, birdwatching, rock climbing, and cross-country skiing.

2. Itasca State Park

Google Rating: 4.9

Located 214 miles from Minneapolis, Itasca State Park is known for being the Gateway to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, which flows 2,552 miles as it makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico. This impressive natural landmark holds a rich natural and cultural history that visitors may learn about in the outdoor interpretive center. Visitors may choose to camp, fish, or sightsee throughout the park. The Historic Douglas Lodge brings a unique Minnesota charm to the grounds, complete with a large stone fireplace and old-style furnishings from its inception in 1905.

3. Temperance River State Park

Google Rating: 4.9

Temperance River State Park offers a rocky landscape and a secluded beach approximately 79 miles from Duluth. Visitors often stroll along the lakeside for a calming beach walk or camp in one of the many excellent sites along the grounds. Scenic areas along the river and lake are perfect for wildlife viewing and soaking in breathtaking views. There are also winding trails for hiking, as well as opportunities for fishing and rock climbing.

4. General C.C. Andrews State Forest

Google Rating: 4.9

Located in Pine County, General C C Andrews State Forest is easily identified by its incredibly gorgeous and diverse tree population. Large pines of the jack, red, and birch species are mixed with paper birch, quaking and bigtooth aspen, and red and bur oak trees. Similarly, the state forest is filled with an array of interactive wildlife that can be admired by visitors. The park’s 36 drive-in campsites, a group camp area, and multiple day-use areas are perfect for a weekend getaway or a day-long fishing trip. Cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, and ATV trails wind through the park and add possibilities to your vacation.

5. Gooseberry Falls State Park

Google Rating: 4.8

Situated 190 miles from St Paul in Two Harbors, Gooseberry Falls State Park offers year-round camping, accessible multi-use trails, and gorgeous natural waterfalls. Visitors often enjoy the expansive camping grounds and the Lake Superior shoreline during their stay at the park. Before you go, visit the Gooseberry Falls State Park website to view the official waterfall self-guided tour and suggested weekend itinerary.

6. Interstate State Park

Google Rating: 4.8

Located just 46 miles from St Paul in Taylor Falls, Interstate State Park is famous for its world-renowned gigantic glacial potholes that have carved out and molded the landscape to a unique form. Visitors may look into the spaces created by the world’s deepest explored pothole while enjoying stunning views of the river gorge. Visitors may take part in camping, canoeing, rock climbing, and fishing on the grounds. However, some of these activities are only offered seasonally. Be sure to do your research ahead of time to ensure that the activity you want is in fact taking place during your scheduled visit.

7. Jay Cooke State Park

Google Rating: 4.8

Jay Cooke State Park is perfect for a variety of activities that will suit the whole family. Situated 131 miles from St Paul in Carlton, the park offers fantastic camping, hiking, snow skiing, and snowshoeing. The iconic swinging bridge is very popular among visitors. It is suspended above the St. Louis River and provides an excellent photo spot. In the winter, visitors enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and taking in panoramic snow-covered views from the various scenic points.

8. Afton State Park

Google Rating: 4.8

Located 233 miles from Detroit in Hastings, Afton State Park is a hiker’s paradise. Enjoy winding trails with beautiful natural views and gorgeous seasonal landscapes. Scheduled naturalist programs offer education on the park’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources for kids and adults alike. After your day hike, feel free to stick around for a while and enjoy lunch in one of the many picnic areas. Rocky beaches are perfect for swimming and fishing, but visitors also enjoy backpack camping and cross-country skiing.

9. Whitewater State Park

Google Rating: 4.8

Whitewater State Park combines miles of rugged natural trails with impressive panoramic river views. Situated 66 miles from Reno in Altura, the park celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. Since its beginning, the park has welcomed residents and visitors to explore its dramatic rocky bluffs and swim in its refreshing spring-fed waters. Visitors often spend time fishing for trout in the winter and summer and enjoy the brilliant wildflower display in the springtime.

10. Cascade River State Park Recreation Site

Google Rating: 4.8

Situated 245 miles from St Paul in Lutsen, Cascade River State Park offers incredible waterfall hikes and lake views. Visitors may explore a series of five small waterfalls and the Cascade Falls on a short hike along the Cascade River Lower Loop or venture out to the Lake Superior Shoreline Trail. Cross-country skiing, fishing, camping, and hiking are the most popular activities on-site. If you’re planning a short day trip, consider picnicking on the Lake Superior shoreline at one of many dedicated sites positioned under a lovely grove of cedar trees.

Voyageurs National Park

Google Rating: 4.8

Encompassing 218,055 acres of stunning forests, rocky ridges, bubbling streams, and sparkling lakes, Voyageurs National Park is made for adventure-seekers. Located 2.4 miles from Minneapolis in International Falls, the recreation site offers incredible opportunities for water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, swimming, boating, and more, as well as miles of hiking trails through northern hardwood and boreal forests. Visitors enjoy exploring and viewing the diverse ecosystems that inhabit the protected lands. Plan to take part in a guided tour or reserve a spot for front-country, backcountry, drive-in, or primitive camping.

The Land of 10,000 Lakes

Interested in moving to Minnesota? Learn more about real estate in the area by checking out some of our other articles, including the best places to live, the most affordable cities, and how to build a house in Minnesota. When you’re ready to take the first step towards homeownership, you can find new listings every day at NewHomeSource.com.

All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.