You could probably spend a lifetime, or at least a few full years, exploring Minnesota's state parks. With over 70 parks dotting this nature-loving state, Minnesota packs activities of all kinds between its borders. With regional flare and varied camping facilities, there are a hundred ways to choose which parks to visit. Depending on what activities entice you the most, there's a park for you.
State Trails
The State Trails project is an effort to make it possible to discover Minnesota on foot or bike on maintained trails. The trails go from cities to towns to countryside.
Several of the State Trails start and end in state parks where you can camp in a tent, group site or RV. The Paul Bunyan State Trail is, as of 2010 112 miles of trail suitable for biking, walking or skating. When it is complete, the trail will be 120 miles long. The north trailhead is in Lake Bemidji State Park; it travels south along Lake Bemidji, and connects to the city of Bemidji. You can pack up and walk or ride a bike just over seven miles from town to the park.
There are about 100 tent camping sites at Lake Benidji. During the summer, most sites are easy to drive to. In the winter, all but three tent sites require a hike to access. RV hook-ups are available and trailers up to 50 feet can be accommodated all year. There is water and electricity available and several sites are handicapped-accessible.
Blazing Star Trail runs, both paved and unpaved, through and beyond Myre-Big Island State Park, near the southern border of the state. You can take in the 6-mile walk from Myre-Big Island to Frank Hall Park and back.
Myre-Big Island has about 93 tent sites, 30 of which have electricity. There are several backcountry sites available, which require a 1- to 2-mile walk to access. RVs up to 60 feet can be accommodated here. There are cabins and a group site available by reservation as well.
Remote Boat-in Camping
Remote campsites accessible only by paddle add an adventure to your approach, and ensure a secluded campsite.
In Afton, Banning, and Bear Head Lake State Parks, among several others, you can pack up your canoe or kayak and paddle out into the water. Campsites along the shore and inland will provide a private haven for you and your group. Efficient packing is necessary if you'll be taking a kayak, so consider lightweight gear and a spartan ethic when preparing for a boat-in, remote-site camping experience. Rates vary for these sites depending on the park and facilities. You are limited to one tent per site.
Scuba Diving
Certified divers can explore the depths of Minnesota's famous "ten thousand lakes" from shores of the state parks. At Cuyuna Country State Park, the Portsmouth Mine Pit is a clear pool perfect for diving. At 352 feet, there is much to explore in this central-Minnesota park.
Camping at Cuyuna is primitive, with no sanitation facilities provided or reservations taken. There are 17 tent sites available at the park during the regular camping season, which is late spring to late fall. There is one large group campsite available, which does require reservations.
More experienced divers can explore debris from Minnesota's great logging era when they dive Lake Superior from Gooseberry Falls State Park. Camping at Gooseberry is also rather primitive compared to other Minnesota parks. There is no electricity available. Drinking water and bathrooms are provided, and RVs up to 40 feet can pull in here. There are handicapped-accessible showers, bathrooms and tent sites.
Rock Climbing
Several parks in Minnesota feature cliffs and rock formations that beckon climbers. Traditional and sport climbing are all possible at these parks. A guidebook or even a guide service can help you get started.
Temperance River and Tettegouche State Parks both offer more advanced climbing routes. Beginners can get started on the simpler cliffs at Blue Mounds State Park in the southwestern part of the state or Interstate State Park on the eastern edge. Bring your own gear for traditional or top rope climbing, and ask locals for detailed descriptions of new routes.
Temperance River has two levels of tent camping sites. The upper level sites have electricity and the lower sites have a view of the lake.Showers and flush toilets are open during the camping season, and vault, or composting, toilets are available year round.
Tettegouche camping is extensive, with 22 electrical sites and several backcountry sites, accessible on a first-come, first-served basis and only for a single night.
RVs up to 60 feet are welcome at both of these state parks.
Considerations
When you visit Minnesota state parks, expect to pay an entry fee per vehicle. If you'll be making a habit of visiting you can also buy a Minnesota State Parks annual pass. Camping permits vary in cost depending on what type of site you're using, and entry fees can vary slightly from year to year. Gift cards can be purchased for nature-loving Minnesotans in your life.
Fires are usually permitted at parks, although wood is not available for purchase or to be gathered from park grounds. Be sure to purchase wood before you arrive. Minnesota winters are frigid and long, and some parks and campsites close for the season, so be aware that not all activities are possible during all months. Late spring to early fall is the high season for Minnesota parks.
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