The state of Minnesota has 74 state parks, providing you with a wide range of park choices that are about evenly distributed throughout the state. Minnesota’s state parks are not only numerous, but include an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. This includes approximately 1,000 miles of multi-use trails spread throughout the state and its parks.
Hiking
You can enjoy hundreds of miles of hiking trails within Minnesota’s state parks. These trails range three miles to more than 45 miles long. Some of the trails also connect to other state maintained trails that run through certain state parks. For instance, you can access the 165-mile long Taconite State Trail from trails that are located in Bear Head Lake State Park, or you can access the 70-mile long Willard Munger Trail from Banning State Park’s trails.
Horseback Riding
Minnesota maintains about 1,000 miles of horse trails. Most of these trails are located within Minnesota’s state parks and forests. The horse trails range from easy, flat terrain to more challenging, hilly grades. Minnesota state parks with horse trails include Afton, Camden and Forestville/Mystery Cave. You’ll need a state issued horse pass to ride a horse in any of Minnesota’s parks.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Some of Minnesota’s state parks also include water trails that are maintained specifically for canoeists and kayakers. These trails mostly run along rivers or lakes, and have multiple docks or put-ins, to facilitate the launching and retrieving of your boat. Minnesota state parks with water trails include Crow Wing State Park, the Red River State Recreation Area and St. Croix State Park.
Cross Country Skiing
If you enjoy cross country skiing then you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy yourself in many of Minnesota’s state parks. Many of these cross country skiing trails are groomed during the winter and are restricted to skiing only. You can go cross country skiing in Father Hennepin State Park, Flandreau State Park, Camden State Park and many others.
Snow Shoeing
In the winter months you can also enjoy snowshoeing in many of Minnesota’s state parks. Some parks limit snowshoeing to specific trails. In others, you can snowshoe anywhere within the park, except on trails that are designated for cross country skiing. Parks with unlimited snowshoeing include Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Big Bog State Recreation Area, Big Stone Lake State Park and Buffalo River State Park.
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