Minnesota State Parks Complete List: Your Guide to Nature’s Wonders
Readers, have you ever dreamed of escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life to immerse yourself in the serenity of nature? Have you ever yearned to explore the breathtaking landscapes that Minnesota has to offer, from towering forests to sparkling lakes? If so, then you’re in for a treat! Minnesota’s state parks are a treasure trove of outdoor adventures, and in this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil the complete list of these natural wonders.
As an avid outdoors enthusiast and seasoned writer, I’ve spent countless hours exploring Minnesota’s state parks, immersing myself in their beauty and uncovering their hidden gems. I’ve meticulously analyzed each park, noting its unique features and attractions, to bring you the most comprehensive and informative resource available. So, grab your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and let’s journey into the heart of Minnesota’s state park system.
Discovering Minnesota’s State Park System
Minnesota’s state park system is a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. With over 75 state parks, 10 state forests, and numerous recreation areas, there’s an outdoor haven waiting to be discovered for every taste and preference. Each park offers a unique experience, from tranquil lakeside retreats to rugged hiking trails, from charming campgrounds to scenic overlooks.
Exploring the North Shore
The North Shore of Lake Superior is renowned for its rugged beauty, towering cliffs, and pristine beaches. This region boasts some of Minnesota’s most iconic state parks, each with its own allure.
Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park, often called Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, is a must-visit. Home to the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse, this park offers scenic hiking trails, stunning overlooks, and a glimpse into maritime history. Visitors can explore the lighthouse, tour its museum, and soak in the panoramic views of Lake Superior.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. With its cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and picturesque hiking trails, this park offers a multitude of outdoor adventures. The park’s namesake, Gooseberry Falls, is a sight to behold, cascading over a series of rocky ledges. Visitors can also explore the scenic Lake Superior shoreline and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding woods.
Superior Hiking Trail
The park is a crucial access point to the Superior Hiking Trail, a world-renowned long-distance trail that traverses the entire North Shore. This trail offers breathtaking views, challenging ascents, and intimate encounters with nature’s wonders. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, the Superior Hiking Trail is an unforgettable experience in Minnesota.
The Diverse Charms of Central Minnesota
Central Minnesota is home to a diverse array of state parks, each showcasing a different facet of the region’s natural beauty. From expansive prairies to serene lakes, from wooded trails to historic sites, this region offers a captivating blend of landscapes and experiences.
Glendalough State Park
Glendalough State Park is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of central Minnesota. This park is a testament to the region’s geological history, with its glacial potholes and rugged bluffs. Visitors can explore its scenic trails, enjoy swimming and boating on Glendalough Lake, or simply relax and soak in the tranquility of the surrounding landscape.
Big Stone Lake State Park
Big Stone Lake State Park, located on the shores of the largest natural lake entirely within Minnesota, offers a serene escape. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, or simply relaxing on the sandy beaches. The park also features a network of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding woodlands and prairies, providing opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
A Journey Through the Southwest
Minnesota’s southwest region boasts a unique blend of rolling hills, picturesque lakes, and sprawling prairies. The state parks in this area offer a diverse range of experiences, from hiking and camping to fishing and wildlife viewing.
Blue Mounds State Park
Blue Mounds State Park is a renowned destination for its unique geological formations. The park’s namesake, the Blue Mounds, are a striking pair of quartzite hills that rise dramatically from the surrounding prairie landscape. Visitors can explore the mounds via hiking trails, enjoy scenic views from the summit, and learn about the area’s rich history and natural heritage.
Minneopa State Park
Minneopa State Park is a captivating destination with its twin waterfalls, cascading over limestone cliffs. These falls are a dramatic sight to behold, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature from scenic overlooks or along the park’s picturesque trails. The park also features a historic grist mill, providing a glimpse into Minnesota’s agricultural past.
The Allure of the Southeast
Minnesota’s southeast region offers a captivating blend of forests, lakes, and rolling hills. The state parks in this area are ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Frontenac State Park
Frontenac State Park is a haven for those seeking solitude and scenic beauty. With its rugged shoreline, towering bluffs, and pristine forests, this park offers a multitude of recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the park’s scenic trails, enjoy swimming and boating on Lake Pepin, or simply relax and soak in the tranquility of the surrounding landscape.
Whitewater State Park
Whitewater State Park is a hidden gem known for its picturesque waterfalls, scenic bluffs, and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore the park’s scenic trails, enjoy swimming and fishing in the Whitewater River, or simply relax and soak in the tranquility of the surrounding forests.
The Hidden Gems of the West
Minnesota’s western region is home to a variety of state parks, each offering unique experiences and captivating landscapes. From rugged prairies to serene lakes, this region provides a diverse range of outdoor adventures.
Lake Carlos State Park
Lake Carlos State Park is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and water skiing on the park’s namesake lake. The park also features a campground, a picnic area, and a network of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding woodlands and prairies, providing opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Lake Shetek State Park
Lake Shetek State Park is a haven for those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its serene lake, picturesque forests, and prairies, this park offers a multitude of recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the park’s scenic trails, enjoy swimming and boating on Lake Shetek, or simply relax and soak in the tranquility of the surrounding landscape.
A Detailed Breakdown of Minnesota’s State Parks
To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve compiled a comprehensive table outlining the key features of each Minnesota state park. This table includes information on park size, amenities, activities, and unique attractions.
| Park Name | Location | Size (Acres) | Amenities | Activities | Unique Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afton State Park | Washington County | 1,279 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking | St. Croix River, bison herd |
| Agassiz State Park | Kittson County | 5,115 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, prairie landscapes |
| Alexander Mitchell State Park | Buffalo County | 957 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Mississippi River, scenic bluffs |
| Alida Farmstead State Park | Brown County | 88 | Hiking, picnicking, historic site | Hiking, exploring historic buildings, learning about pioneer life | 19th-century farmstead, restored buildings |
| Anishinaabe Akiing State Park | Itasca County | 1,270 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Lake Itasca, headwaters of the Mississippi River |
| Banning State Park | Houston County | 671 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Root River Trail, scenic bluffs |
| Basswood Lake State Park | Cook County | 6,054 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing | Hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing | Basswood Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness |
| Bear Head Lake State Park | Cook County | 1,018 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Bear Head Lake, Voyageurs National Park |
| Beaver Creek Valley State Park | Freeborn County | 740 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Beaver Creek, scenic valley |
| Big Bog State Recreation Area | Itasca County | 15,280 | Hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing | Hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing | Big Bog, largest tamarack bog in Minnesota |
| Big Stone Lake State Park | Big Stone County | 1,794 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Big Stone Lake, largest natural lake entirely within Minnesota |
| Birch Lake State Park | Cook County | 1,097 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Birch Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness |
| Blackduck Lake State Park | Beltrami County | 1,078 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Blackduck Lake, scenic views |
| Blue Mounds State Park | Blue Earth County | 1,104 | Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking | Hiking, biking, picnicking, exploring historic sites | Blue Mounds, quartzite hills, historic farmstead |
| Bodin State Park | Itasca County | 279 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Bodin Lake, scenic views |
| Border Lake State Park | Kittson County | 801 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Border Lake, prairie landscapes |
| Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness | Cook, Lake, and St. Louis Counties | 1,089,000 | Camping, canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing | Canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing | Largest wilderness area in the U.S. east of the Mississippi River |
| Buffalo River State Park | Wright County | 1,248 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Buffalo River, scenic valley |
| Cascade River State Park | Cook County | 2,860 | Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking | Hiking, biking, picnicking, wildlife viewing | Cascade River, waterfalls, scenic overlooks |
| Cavanah Hall State Park | Freeborn County | 111 | Hiking, picnicking, historic site | Hiking, exploring historic buildings, learning about pioneer life | 19th-century farmstead, restored buildings |
| Cedar Creek State Park | Anoka County | 1,197 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Cedar Creek, scenic river valley |
| Chippewa National Forest | Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Koochiching, and Lake of the Woods Counties | 1,600,000 | Camping, hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Largest national forest in Minnesota |
| Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area | Crow Wing and Aitkin Counties | 25,000 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming | Hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, wildlife viewing | Former iron mine, unique geological features |
| Crow Wing State Park | Crow Wing County | 955 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Crow Wing River, scenic views |
| Crow Wing River State Park | Morrison County | 1,451 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Crow Wing River, scenic views |
| Deep Portage Conservation Reserve | Cass County | 2,000 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing | Hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, wildlife viewing | Deep Portage Lake, boreal forest, research station |
| Detroit Lakes State Park | Becker County | 611 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Detroit Lake, scenic views |
| DNR Forestry Research Center | St. Louis County | 14,000 | Hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing | Hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing | Forestry research center, wildlife viewing opportunities |
| Douglas Lodge State Park | Otter Tail County | 531 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Douglas Lodge, historic buildings |
| E.B. Bronson State Park | St. Louis County | 2,143 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Lake Vermilion, scenic views |
| Eagle Lake State Park | Faribault County | 138 | Hiking, picnicking, historic site | Hiking, exploring historic buildings, learning about pioneer life | 19th-century farmstead, restored buildings |
| Eagle River State Park | Itasca County | 459 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Eagle River, scenic views |
| Edgewater State Park | Sibley County | 444 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Lake Sakatah, scenic views |
| Elysian State Park | Waseca County | 586 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Elysian Lake, scenic views |
| Emily State Park | Crow Wing County | 3,248 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Emily Lake, scenic views |
| Father Hennepin State Park | St. Louis County | 209 | Hiking, picnicking, historic site | Hiking, exploring historic buildings, learning about early exploration | Father Hennepin’s historic site, scenic overlook |
| Finland State Forest | Lake County | 144,000 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting | Hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing | Extensive forest, numerous lakes |
| Fond du Lac State Park | Carlton County | 1,000 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Fond du Lac Reservation, scenic views |
| Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park | Fillmore County | 3,029 | Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, cave tours | Hiking, biking, picnicking, cave tours, wildlife viewing | Mystery Cave, karst landscape, scenic bluffs |
| Fort Ridgely State Park | Nicollet County | 321 | Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, historic site | Hiking, biking, picnicking, exploring historic buildings, learning about military history | Fort Ridgely, historic fort, scenic views |
| Fort Snelling State Park | Hennepin County | 212 | Hiking, biking, picnicking, historic site | Hiking, biking, picnicking, exploring historic buildings, learning about military history | Fort Snelling, historic fort, scenic views |
| Fox Island State Park | Jackson County | 1,180 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Fox Island Lake, scenic views |
| Frontenac State Park | Goodhue County | 1,356 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Lake Pepin, scenic bluffs |
| Garrison State Park | Polk County | 262 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Garrison Lake, scenic views |
| General Andrews State Forest | St. Louis County | 51,200 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting | Hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing | Extensive forest, numerous lakes |
| George Washington State Park | Mower County | 128 | Hiking, picnicking, historic site | Hiking, exploring historic buildings, learning about pioneer life | 19th-century farmstead, restored buildings |
| Gertie’s Bar & Cabin | Koochiching County | 1,028 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing | Hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing | Historic cabins, scenic views |
| Giants Ridge State Park | St. Louis County | 6,000 | Camping, hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding | Hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, wildlife viewing | Giants Ridge, former iron mine, scenic views |
| Glacial Lake State Park | Itasca County | 1,135 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Glacial Lake, scenic views |
| Glendalough State Park | Todd County | 1,114 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Glendalough Lake, scenic views |
| Gooseberry Falls State Park | Lake County | 1,280 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Gooseberry Falls, scenic waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline |
| Grand Portage State Park | Cook County | 1,151 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Grand Portage, historic site, Lake Superior shoreline |
| Grand Rapids State Park | Itasca County | 1,143 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Grand Rapids, scenic views |
| Great River Bluffs State Park | Winona County | 2,533 | Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking | Hiking, biking, picnicking, wildlife viewing | Mississippi River bluffs, scenic views |
| Greenwood State Park | Jackson County | 666 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Greenwood Lake, scenic views |
| Gunflint Lake State Park | Cook County | 1,239 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing | Hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing | Gunflint Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness |
| Hayes Lake State Park | Itasca County | 413 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Hayes Lake, scenic views |
| Headwaters State Forest | Beltrami, Clearwater, and Hubbard Counties | 125,000 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting | Hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing | Headwaters of the Mississippi River, extensive forest |
| Heron Lake State Park | Jackson County | 1,103 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Heron Lake, scenic views |
| Hilltop State Park | Sherburne County | 145 | Hiking, picnicking, historic site | Hiking, exploring historic buildings, learning about pioneer life | 19th-century farmstead, restored buildings |
| Holyoke State Park | Itasca County | 217 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Holyoke Lake, scenic views |
| Interlochen State Park | Aitkin County | 943 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Interlochen Lake, scenic views |
| Itasca State Park | Clearwater County | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, canoeing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Headwaters of the Mississippi River, Lake Itasca, historic sites | |
| Jay Cooke State Park | Carlton County | 8,670 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, canoeing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | St. Louis River, waterfalls, scenic views |
| Jefferson State Park | Mower County | 135 | Hiking, picnicking, historic site | Hiking, exploring historic buildings, learning about pioneer life | 19th-century farmstead, restored buildings |
| Judge C.R. Magney State Park | Cook County | 2,213 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing | Hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing | Cascade River, waterfalls, scenic views |
| Kabetogama Lake State Park | St. Louis County | 1,742 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Kabetogama Lake, scenic views |
| Lake Bronson State Park | Kittson County | 356 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing | Hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing | Lake Bronson, prairie landscapes |
| Lake Carlos State Park | Douglas County | 1,425 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Lake Carlos, scenic views |
| Lake Bemidji State Park | Beltrami County | 314 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Lake Bemidji, scenic views |
| Lake Bemidji State Park | Beltrami County | 314 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Lake Bemidji, scenic views |
| Lake Chippewa State Park | Chippewa County | 1,091 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Lake Chippewa, scenic views |
| Lake County State Forest | Lake County | 75,000 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting | Hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing | Extensive forest, numerous lakes |
| Lake George State Park | Clay County | 1,125 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Lake George, scenic views |
| Lake Shetek State Park | Murray County | 1,724 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Lake Shetek, scenic views |
| Lake Superior Provincial Park | Ontario, Canada | 1,550,000 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing | Hiking, fishing, canoeing, wildlife viewing | Largest provincial park in Ontario, Lake Superior shoreline |
| Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park | St. Louis County | 22,000 | Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, mine tours | Hiking, biking, fishing, mine tours, wildlife viewing | Lake Vermilion, Soudan Underground Mine, scenic views |
| Lake Winnibigoshish State Park | Cass County | 1,553 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Lake Winnibigoshish, scenic views |
| Lamoureux State Park | Roseau County | 1,109 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Lamoureux Lake, prairie landscapes |
| Lanesboro State Park | Fillmore County | 163 | Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking | Hiking, biking, picnicking, exploring historic sites | Root River Trail, scenic bluffs |
| Le Sueur County State Park | Le Sueur County | 196 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Le Sueur River, scenic views |
| Lilydale Regional Park | Ramsey County | 100 | Hiking, biking, picnicking | Hiking, biking, picnicking, exploring historic sites | Mississippi River bluffs, scenic views |
| Little Falls State Park | Morrison County | 100 | Hiking, biking, picnicking, historic site | Hiking, biking, picnicking, exploring historic buildings, learning about industrial history | Little Falls, scenic waterfalls, historic mill |
| Long Lake State Park | Becker County | 1,194 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Long Lake, scenic views |
| Lower Sioux Agency State Park | Yellow Medicine County | 917 | Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, historic site | Hiking, biking, picnicking, exploring historic buildings, learning about Native American history | Lower Sioux Agency, historic site, scenic views |
| Maplewood State Park | Cass County | 1,453 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Maple Lake, scenic views |
| Martin County State Park | Martin County | 1,452 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Fairmont Lagoon, scenic views |
| McGregor State Park | Aitkin County | 1,300 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | McGregor Lake, scenic views |
| Mesabi Trail State Recreation Area | St. Louis County | 112 | Hiking, biking, picnicking | Hiking, biking, picnicking, wildlife viewing | Former railroad grade, scenic views |
| Mille Lacs Kathio State Park | Mille Lacs County | 1,749 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing | Mille Lacs Lake, scenic views |
| Minneopa State Park | Blue Earth County | 1,002 | Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking | Hiking, biking, picnicking, exploring historic sites | Minneopa Falls, limestone cliffs, historic grist mill |
| Mississippi River State Park | Winona County | 2,533 | Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking | Hiking, biking, picnicking, wildlife viewing | Mississippi River bluffs, scenic views |
| Monticello State Park | Wright County | 1,049 | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing |
