Minnesota has over 100 state parks and forests for visitors to enjoy. Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming and boating are just a few of the popular activities you can enjoy in Minnesota. Some Minnesota state parks are available for camping while others are only open during the day.
Land of 10,000 Lakes
Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" and for good reason. The entire state has lakes but most of them are in north and central areas. Not surprisingly there are a large number of state parks centered on lakes. Minnesota's lakes are great for fishing, swimming and boating.
Canoeing
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness consists of over 1,500 miles of canoe routes and more than 1,000 lakes and streams. It is the most visited wilderness area in the United States. There are more than 2,200 primitive campsites located in the wilderness area.
For the Hikers
Minnesota has countless options for hiking and backpacking and the best trails in the state are found in state parks and forests. Trails range from short day hikes, to adventurous paths you can make into a week-long trip. George H. Crosby Manitou State Park was designed for backpackers on hiking trips and consists of a forest trail and waterfalls cascading through canyons. One of America's best hiking vacations is also in Minnesota on the Superior Hiking Trail, a 205-mile trail that follows the ridgeline of Lake Superior.
Day Trips
There are several state parks and campgrounds in Minnesota. Only a few state parks are within an hours drive from Minneapolis-St. Paul and Interstate State Park is one of those. Located on the St. Croix River, Interstate State Park offers many activities to visitors. Climb the cliffs around the river or go canoeing and kayaking through the rapids. There are 10 different lava flows in the park, along with two glacial deposits. This state park intrigues visitors and geologists from all over the world.
Camping
Some Minnesota state parks allow for camping and Wild River State Park is one of them. Located along the St. Croix River in eastern Minnesota. It offers semi-modern camping, group camping, equestrian camping, backpack camping and canoe camping. This state park also has guesthouses that can be rented and a 35-mile trail system used for hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.
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