Minnesota has dozens of fantastic state parks, but most people gravitate towards a select few. Gooseberry Falls and Itasca get a lot of love, but what about the 64 others? While they do get a healthy share of visitors – Minnesotans are outdoorsy people, after all – there are still lesser-known spots that many people are not aware of. Here are our 11 favorite lesser-known state parks to visit in Minnesota:

1. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 170th Street East, Nerstrand, MN, USA
Flickr/GPA Photo Archive/Photo by Tony Webster via Wikimedia Commons
If you're in the Twin Cities metro, this southern Minnesota state park is an easy 57-mile drive - perfect for a day trip. But no matter where you live, this lovely park is well worth visiting. Its main attraction is a secluded waterfall hidden deep in the woods.
2. Blue Mounds State Park
Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Josh/Flickr
A personal favorite of the author, this state park is unlike anywhere else in Minnesota. It consists of a series of pink quartzite cliffs that rise above the endless southwestern Minnesota prairie. Numerous hikes lead along the top of the ridge, and the path below offers gorgeous views of the cliffs. Visit in the warmer months and you're likely to see prickly pear cacti no matter which route you take.
3. Bear Head Lake State Park
9301 Bear Head State Park Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA
MN Photos/Flickr
Because it is located in Ely, Bear Head Lake State Park does not get as many visitors as it should. After all, many visiting the area are on their way to the Boundary Waters. But if you have a little extra time, it's well worth visiting this little park for its gorgeous lake views and excellent wooded trails.
4. Big Stone Lake State Park
Big Stone Lake State Park, 35889 Meadowbrook State Park Road, Ortonville, MN 56278, USA
Brett Whaley/Flickr
Way on the western edge of Minnesota, Big Stone Lake State Park draws visitors for its beautiful wildlife, serene views, and great camping and hiking. It's located right on the headwaters of the Minnesota River, so it's a great place to visit after you've had your fill of the Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca. Whatever you do, make sure you pack a tent. You're going to want to spend the night.
5. Buffalo River State Park
565 155th St S, Glyndon, MN 56547, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
Here's another western Minnesota state park that is full of hidden beauty. It consists of one of the largest remaining prairies in Minnesota, making it much different from the wooded state parks we are all used to. But there are plenty of trees to be seen here, and campers will be happy to discover a sand-bottom swimming pool on the premises.

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6. Hayes Lake State Park
Hayes Lake State Park, 48990 Co Rd 4, Roseau, MN 56751, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
Unless they live near the town of Roseau, most Minnesotans haven't heard of Hayes Lake State Park. That makes it the perfect spot for a quiet getaway. Among the main events is a boardwalk that leads through a bog. Needless to say, this park is teeming with wildlife.
7. Kilen Woods State Park
Kilen Woods State Park, 50200 860th St, Lakefield, MN 56150, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
Here's a southern Minnesota park that is well worth visiting. Located near the town of Lakefield, it is full of beautiful attractions. A series of trails lead to views of wildflowers, prairies, and the rushing rapids of the Des Moines River. It's the perfect spot for campers who desire a long weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
8. Scenic State Park
Scenic State Park, 56956 Scenic Hwy, Bigfork, MN 56628, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
This northern Minnesota park is full of attractions. Old-growth pines make it a perfect, untouched area of spectacular beauty. Pristine northern lakes will make you want to stay forever. And on the off-chance you get tired of looking at nature, a series of cabins on the National Register of Historic Places will make you feel right at home.
9. Wild River State Park
Wild River State Park, b n, 39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55012, USA
NVJ/Flickr
Located in Chisago County, Minnesota, this lovely state park is perfect for a day trip from the Twin Cities. Strap on your hiking boots and take a stroll through the forest. Its thick canopy will offer shade, and the breeze off the St. Croix River will cool you on a hot day. This park is beautiful, easily accessible, and severely underrated.
10. Zippel Bay State Park
Zippel Bay State Park, 3684 54th Ave NW, Williams, MN 56686, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
Way up on the Canadian border, this state park may be one of the least known in the state. It owes part of that to its out-of-the-way location, but it is still well worth visiting. White-sand beaches on Lake of the Woods make for excellent swimming. And of course, the fishing and hiking in the area is also incredible. If you crave a quiet place to get away, this park may be your ticket.
11. Glacial Lakes State Park
25022 Co Rd 41, Starbuck, MN 56381, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
In west-central Minnesota, the tiny town of Starbuck plays host to one of the most beautiful - and underrated - state parks in Minnesota. Glacial Lakes State Park offers gorgeous views of rolling prairie, complete with sparkling, fish-filled lakes. Take your boat out for a cruise, catch some fish, and enjoy Minnesota at its finest.

We know we left plenty of incredible Minnesota state parks off the list. Which ones would you have added? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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state parks to visit in Minnesota

Jennifer Young | January 28, 2022

What is the newest state park in Minnesota?

Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park opened in 2017, making it Minnesota's newest state park. Covering more than 3,000 acres, this state park combines Lake Vermilion and the historic Soudan Underground Mine for a truly unique outdoor attraction. Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers a great selection of recreational activities for all ages, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and more. Mine tours are also offered. Overall, Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park is one of the best parks in Minnesota, and it certainly belongs on your bucket list. For more information about Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, click here.

What little-known state park in Minnesota is also one of the state's top rated?

Blue Mounds State Park, which is located in Luverne, is one of the best state parks in Minnesota. Even though it's considered one of the state's lesser-known state parks, it's still highly rated. Blue Mounds State Park's most well-known feature is group of Sioux quartzite rock outcroppings, which rise approximately 100 feet from the plains and are pink in color. The reason "Blue" is part of the park's name instead of "Pink" is because when the area's first settlers arrived, they thought they saw blue in the far distance. Blue Mounds State Park offers a variety of fun things to do outside in Minnesota, including hiking, birding, camping, and wildlife viewing. Anyone who loves the outdoors will instantly love this state park. For more information about Blue Mounds State Park, click here.

Where will you find one of the best and easiest hiking trails in Minnesota?

Minnesota is home to many amazing hiking trails, including Silver Creek Trail. Silver Creek Trail, which is located inside Jay Cooke State Park, is a 3.4-mile loop trail that's located near the town of Carlton. Because of its easy rating, it's the perfect trail for hikers of all skill levels. In addition to Silver Creek Trail being accessible year-round, it's also a popular trail for hiking, walking, running, camping, and biking. This scenic trail also features a swinging bridge that people enjoy strolling across. To view full map, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

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