The state of Minnesota is home to 75 parks and recreation areas, and each and every one of them is absolutely spectacular. The preservation of parks within our state and country is vital to maintain our environments. Within Minnesota’s 87,000 square miles of land and water, that means there is so much beauty to be seen. Here are five spectacular state parks to visit in Minneapolis — all within a 50 mile radius of the city. Check them out and plan a little retreat into the great outdoors!

1. Fort Snelling State Park (Saint Paul)
Fort Snelling State Park Trail, Burnsville, MN 55122, USA
Flickr/Lorie Schaull
The most notable feature in this park has always been Historic Fort Snelling which had been a military training ground dating back to 1820. It requires a different entrance fee to visit the historic confines of the military compound, but since Fort Snelling State Park opened in 1962, Minneapolitans can explore the area where the Minnesota River meets the Mississippi. There are biking and hiking trails to explore throughout the entire state park. It's the perfect mix of history and nature. Visit the Fort Snelling State Park website to learn more!
2. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park (Nerstrand)
Flickr/Tony Webster
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 170th Street East, Nerstrand, MN, USA
Flickr/Brett Whaley
Before European settlers developed land in Minnesota, the area of this state park was part of a larger collective of "big woods," from which the park takes its name. Most of the park is in the forest, making it the perfect place to take in autumn foliage or to escape the heat of the sun in summer. The land is abundant with Platteville limestone, which created the hidden falls in the park, which are something that need to be seen to be believed. Visit the park website to learn more!
3. Afton State Park (Afton)
Flickr/Drew Geraets

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Afton State Park Trail, Minnesota, USA
Yelp/Annalee T.
Not to be confused with the ski and snowboard area of Afton Alps (although that is adjacent to the park), this is the epitome of Minnesota's beautiful nature. There are walkable trails that are safe for the entire family and amazing campsites to observe the most incredible Minnesota sunsets. Why aren't you there yet?
4. Lake Maria State Park (Silver Creek Township)
Flickr/Tony Webster
Lake Maria State Park, Clementa Ave NW, Monticello, MN, USA
Yelp/Margie A.
Lake Maria State Park is also home to some of the remaining "big woods" that once covered southern part of Minnesota. This park is a one-of-a-kind spot that's perfect for hikers, year-round campers, but horseback riders.
5. William O'Brien State Park (St. Croix)
Flickr/Kent Landerholm
William O'Brien State Park, 16821 O Brien Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047, USA
Facebook/Tyler Lichtscheidl
William O'Brien State Park is well-known for the Beaver Lodge Trail, which leads park visitors to the spaces where beavers are actively building their wooden homes. While most view beavers as a nuisance that flood the lands near their lodges, this park happily embraces them. Since you're so far from the city, camping here is splendid with some seriously stellar views for stargazing.

These five state parks are just a few of the best to visit in Minneapolis, since they can all be reached within less than an hour’s drive. Of course, we all know there are so many more stunning parks within the state of Minnesota, so what is your favorite park (and why)? Let us know in the comments below.

For the outdoorsy Minneapolitan, read this article: Here Are The 5 Most Incredible Natural Gems In Minneapolis-Saint Paul.

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state parks to visit in Minneapolis

Sarah | January 11, 2022

How many state parks are there in Minnesota?

There are 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas ready for you to explore. Go camping, take a nature hike, pack a picnic... there are so many wonderful adventures to be had in the great outdoors of Minnesota!

What kinds of activities can I do in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is a wonderful city that's a total under-the-radar gem. From amazing parks and opportunities for outdoor recreation to the town's amazing restaurants and craft breweries, there's something for everyone here! And especially for foodies, it's a town that will surprise you. For instance, did you know you could get killer tacos here? Or authentic barbecue that would make you swear you'd visited the South? This city is such a cool place!

What are some of least crowded parks to visit in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis and Saint Paul might be bustling metropolitan cities, but they are both naturally beautiful as well. The best part about the area is you can choose between a variety of urban activities, or you can connect with nature without having to travel outside of the cities. One quiet place we like to visit is Minnehaha Creek, a beautiful body of water that flows into the mighty Mississippi that's home to Minnehaha Falls. This waterfall  is one of the few natural waterfalls in the city, and we can't get enough of it. You can explore the falls during the summer and feel the cool mist of water come towards you, or you can take an adventure in the winter to view the stunning waterfall once it's frozen. It's one of Minneapolis' most beautiful pieces of nature! For more quiet spots around town, check out this list.

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