Ian Bronson
Minnesota’s natural beauty shines through its state parks, where towering pines, rushing waterfalls, and wide-open prairies create unforgettable views. Remarkably, every season adds a new layer of charm, from golden autumn canopies to snow-dusted trails. Visiting these ten parks is the perfect way to experience the state at its most breathtaking.
Itasca State Park: Birthplace Of The Mississippi
Standing at the headwaters of the Mississippi River is an experience like no other. Itasca State Park, Minnesota’s oldest, was established in 1891 and spans 32,690 acres of towering pines, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Adding to its rich natural beauty, over 200 bird species thrive here.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park: Iconic Beacon
Waves crash against the rocky shores beneath Split Rock Lighthouse, one of Minnesota’s most photographed landmarks. Built in 1910 after the destructive Mataafa Storm of 1905, it sits on a 130-foot cliff above Lake Superior. Hiking routes lead to impressive overlooks, historic sites, and cobblestone beaches along the shoreline.
Gooseberry Falls State Park: Waterfall Wonderland
Centuries of rushing water have carved the Gooseberry River’s path and shaped the dramatic waterfalls that tumble over volcanic rock. As the river winds toward Lake Superior, explorers can follow forested paths that offer a stunning visage. Additionally, historic stone structures built in the 1930s are reminders of the park’s past.
Banning State Park: Rapids And Quarry Ruins
Nature and history intertwine at Banning State Park, where the Kettle River’s 1.5 miles of whitewater, including Blueberry Slide and Hell’s Gate, challenge paddlers. Beyond the river, remnants of a sandstone quarry from the late 1800s stand as a reminder of the past. Nearby, Wolf Creek Falls cascades into the rocky riverbed.
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park: Wildflower Haven
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park preserves a rare remnant of Minnesota’s Big Woods, a vast hardwood forest that once covered much of the region. The park bursts into color in spring with native wildflowers, including the endangered dwarf trout lily, found only in Minnesota.
Tettegouche State Park: Adventurer’s Paradise
Cliffs, waterfalls, and rugged walkways shape the dramatic expanse of Tettegouche State Park. High Falls is a stunning waterfall that tumbles 70 feet into a rocky gorge as the Baptism River winds its way toward Lake Superior. Inland bluffs rise above dense forests, and hiking tracks lead to stunning lake views.
Jay Cooke State Park: Swinging Bridge And Rapids
Crossing the iconic Swinging Bridge at Jay Cooke State Park is unforgettable. Spanning 126 feet across the St. Louis River, the park offers breathtaking panoramas of the turbulent waters below. The Grand Portage trail, once used by Native Americans and early explorers, bypasses the river’s impassable currents.
Temperance River State Park: Gorge And Lake Vistas
Water carved striking gorges and cliffs along the Temperance River, shaping narrow canyons and waterfalls over time. Unlike many rivers, this one has no sandbar at its mouth, which inspired its unusual name. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain or relax along this park’s cobblestone shoreline on Lake Superior.
Blue Mounds State Park: Prairie And Bison
Expansive prairies stretch across Blue Mounds State Park, where a bison herd roams freely during summer. Rising above the grasslands, Sioux quartzite cliffs reaching 100 feet reflect a bluish hue at sunset. These prairies, which stretch across 1,830 acres, once sustained Indigenous peoples and early settlers.
Fort Snelling State Park: Historical Oasis
Fort Snelling State Park sits where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers merge, creating a place rich in history and natural beauty. This site was once a gathering place for Dakota people long before the fort was built in the 1800s. Today, visitors explore wooded trails and scenic riverbanks.
