Minnesota features an impressive state park system designed to showcase the natural beauty of the state's diverse terrain. Outdoor enthusiasts can find a variety of challenging pursuits located within the parks to keep fit and active while they're away from the comforts of the campfire. Southern Minnesota's state parks boast miles of hiking and biking trails as well as opportunities for fishing, canoeing, horseback riding and rock climbing. A vehicle pass is required for entrance into the park and nominal fees are charged for camping.
Forestville/Mystery Cave
Located in the bluff country near Spring Valley in southeastern Minnesota, Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park encompasses sparkling spring-fed streams, deep valleys and limestone caves. Three blue-ribbon trout streams meander through the park and feed into the Root River, a popular canoeing route. Seventeen miles of hiking trails undulate through the forested peaks and valleys and 15 miles of horseback trails provide opportunities for stream crossings on horseback. Spelunkers can explore Mystery Cave, an extensive underground limestone cave system. Seventy-three semi-modern campsites in the main campground and 60 horseback campsites are available.
Blue Mounds
Rising 100-feet from the southwest prairie grasslands, the Sioux quartzite cliffs of Blue Mounds State Park are an area magnet for rock-climbing enthusiasts. The mile-long ridge of jagged rock juts abruptly above the open plains where herds of buffalo roam freely below. Thirteen miles of hiking trails weave through the park's prairie and there are two miles of paved biking trails. Blue Mounds features 73 campsites in the main loop and 14 secluded walk-in sites amongst the tall grasses.
Myre-Big Island
Hikers, bikers and canoeists have ample room to roam at Myre-Big Island state park near the Iowa border. Wrapped on three sides by 2,600-acre Albert Lea Lake, the park features numerous wetland habitats and oak savannah woodlands. Ninety-three campsites are dispersed in two separate campgrounds. Choose from the grassy plain of the Fox campground or towering trees of the Big Island loop. Four campsites are remote and accessible only by foot or canoe. The park features 16 miles of hiking trails through a variety of terrain as well as seven miles of mountain challenging mountain bike trails. Six miles of paved biking trails run through the park and connect with a regional trail.
Whitewater
Limestone bluffs and bountiful trout waters are the lure at Whitewater State Park in southeastern Minnesota. The Whitewater River winds through the park past steep cliffs that provide scenic vistas for hikers willing to scale the difficult trails. Ten miles of hiking trails traverse the park grounds and follow the river bottom as well as the bluff tops. There are 104 semi-modern campsites that line the banks of the river and six walk-in sites, which offer secluded perches sandwiched between the river and a steep ridge. A sandy beach attracts swimmers in the summer.
Sakatah Lake
Five miles of the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail pass through Sakatah Lake State Park giving riders the opportunity to explore the trail's 39-mile length in either direction. Stretching from Faribault to Mankato, the trail is a popular destination for bikers and hikers seeking scenic outdoor activity. Canoe the waters of Sakatah Lake, a natural widening of the Cannon River, and explore the state water trail that meanders east to the Mississippi. Sixty-two campsites are available in the main campground and five bike-in sites can give peddlers a secluded resting spot.
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