If You Live In Minnesota, You Must Visit This Amazing State Park
By Jo Magliocco|Published February 06, 2016
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Jo Magliocco
Author
Minnesota staff writer for Only in Your State and owner of Minnesota blog NorthGuide.co, I'm a Minneapolis transplant who loves my cats, camera, and local coffee. On the weekends I'm usually exploring the North Shore or making my way through the list of Minnesota's State Parks. Want to talk about MN or ask me a question? Tweet me @sotafiedjo!
If you’re looking for an adventure unlike any other in Minnesota, look no further than the beautiful and secluded George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. It’s one of MN’s least visited state parks, and one of our most scenic. You will never forget a trip to this untouched wilderness.
It was donated by the mine developer of the same name, who played a large role in both the Mesabi and Cuyuna ranges. He gifted this land on the Manitou River to the state, who established it as a park in 1955.
The park encompasses 6,159 stunning acres in Northern Minnesota and only logs 32,403 annual visits - compared to say, the 327,626 visits to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
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For a few days, it will feel like your own private wilderness - full of wildlife and never-ending beautiful views.
The park is also notable for the volcanic gorge through which the Manitou River flows. It's the product of 1.1 billion year old lava flows, later moved by glaciers.
Waterfalls cascade down the entire canyon, and although the trails can be steep, they offer what are undoubtably some of the most amazing views in Minnesota.
If you're a backpacker and want an amazing 3-4 day trip, we highly recommend hiking the Superior Hiking Trail from the famed Section 13, comprised of stunning cliffs overlooking the Sawmill Valley through Crosby Manitou (about 25 miles total).
And as we are still in the middle of winter, it's also important to note that this park has some of the most amazing snowshoeing around! Although, you will need to rent the snowshoes at nearby Tettegouche State Park, as there is no rental facility at George Crosby Manitou.
If you’ve visited this state park, tell us about your experience in the comments! And if not – add it to your Minnesota bucket list and prepare for the most epic wilderness adventure you’ll ever have!
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