7 Amazing State Parks Around Minneapolis That Will Blow You Away
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Meg Archer
Author
Minneapolis has amazing city parks. They’ve won awards and are celebrated as some of the best in the nation. But what about all of Minnesota’s beautiful State Parks? Of the 75 stunning state parks in Minnesota, the following seven are absolutely fantastic and easy to get to from the Twin Cities. Whether you’ve paid a visit to them before, or are simply looking for a new adventure destination, these state parks near Minneapolis are sure to get you excited to explore our little corner of the Land of 10,000 Lakes!
Afton State Park Trail, Minnesota, USA
From the oak-filled woodlands to the grassy bluffs of the prairie, Afton State Park is absolutely beautiful. There are hiking trails that crisscross through the park, but some of the most amazing wind down into the sandstone ravine carved by the scenic St. Croix River.
If you aren’t a hiker, there is still plenty to do here; there is a swimming beach that is perfect for kids to splash around, a visitor center to learn more about the glacial moraine that created this lovely area, and awesome campsites to enjoy a longer stay.
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Birdwatchers will love the St. Croix Flyway, which attracts waterfowl, hawks, and migratory birds to the river. Out in the grasslands, happy little bluebirds and meadowlarks take to the skies. As for other fauna, deer, badgers, fox, turkeys, and several types of squirrels call Afton State Park home as well.
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For those looking to enjoy the flora, the forested areas provide plenty of opportunities to check out beautiful oaks and pines, and the wildflowers that bloom on the prairies are a stunning blaze of color - especially the unbelievable sunflowers! Afton State Park is located at 6959 Peller Ave., South Hastings, MN, 55033.
Fort Snelling State Park Trail, Burnsville, MN 55122, USA
You don’t even need to leave the Twin Cities to experience this historic state park! It’s located right on the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers and served as an important center for trade in the 1800s, and explorers and settlers moving west often launched their journey from Fort Snelling. You’ll find excellent information about this history of this resource-rich area, as well as a peak into the past at military life at the historic fort.
Before the arrival of Europeans in North America, this area was a sacred place for the Dakota people. In fact, the place where the two rivers met was even considered the center of the world and possible place of origin for the Mde-wa-kan-ton-wan Dakota tribe.
These days, the park offers tons of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. There are fantastic hiking, biking, and ski trails that connect to Minnehaha Park and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, as well as picnic spots, beaches to relax, and fishing areas along the rivers. The natural area is home to deer, badgers, skunks, turtles, and many other animal species to keep an eye out for while you are exploring Pike Island, Gun Club Lake, and Snelling Lake.
Fort Snelling State Park is located at 101 Snelling Lake Rd., Saint Paul, MN, 55122.
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Interstate State Park, Milltown Road, Taylors Falls, MN, USA
The St. Croix River is one of the most beautiful waterways in the state, and WordInterstate State Park offers tons of ways to enjoy this amazing area, which is located right on the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin (hence the name).
Spring and Autumn are especially beautiful here. Wildflowers blanked the beautiful landscape and the fall foliage lights up the forested areas in a stunningly colorful way. The cliffs overlooking the St. Croix River offer some great views and hiking trails to explore. Down on the water, you’ll find both calm spots to canoe and rushing rapids to kayak down.
This area has unique geological features rarely seen in other parts of the state. Although much of the area was formed by glacial movement, there are also more than 10 lava flows visible which were created by earthquakes that shook the land more than 1.1 billion years ago!
Wildlife lovers are attracted to the area for the diverse flora and fauna found here. The beautiful forested areas are home to deer, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and several endangered species. The floodplains attract many different birds and, if you are lucky, you may just hear owls calling to each other! Interstate State Park is located at 307 Milltown Rd., Taylors Falls, MN, 55084.
William O'Brien State Park, 16821 O Brien Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047, USA
William O'Brien State Park is perfect for a mini-getaway from city life! Whether you are seeking some excellent trails to get out and explore or a cool little fishing spot to pull in walleye, northerns, and bass, William O’Brien State Park has a little something for everyone.
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There are tons of recreational activities to enjoy here. The St. Croix River is considered one of the best canoeing spots in the country. The picturesque valley created by glaciers millions of years ago provides an incredible setting for watching for birds and wildlife.
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Ready to explore this place for yourself? William O'Brien State Park is located at 16821 O’Brien Trail, North Marine-on-St., Croix, MN, 55047.
Wild River State Park, b n, 39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55012, USA
Wild River State Park is nearby William O’Brien and Interstate State Parks, but it’s definitely a quieter setting to enjoy the beautiful natural landscape. Most of the 18-mile-long park is situated along the St. Croix River, but the upper part joins along the mouth of the Sunrise River as well.
The St. Croix River is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River and one of the coolest features at this State Park is the Point Douglas to Superior Military Road: Deer Creek Section. It’s one of the few sections of this historic road, which was built in 1853 and sits on the National Register of Historic Places.
The history here runs deep and archeological digs around the Sunrise River have uncovered a village site with artifacts that date back over 5,000 years! In 1849, a fur trading post was built in the area and though it only survived for a few years, it was one of the last trading posts operating in the St. Croix Valley.
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Despite being a very narrow park, Wild River is home to a ton of wildlife and waterfowl species. Many parts of the river overflow as the snow melts in Spring, which provides a super-rich landscape for beautiful plant life the thrive, including wild roses, columbine, geranium, asters, and several types of berries.
There are also tons of recreational opportunities to experience in Wild River State Park, especially is you are looking for a weekend getaway. There are 94 drive-in campsites, nine tent-only group sites, 20 horse campsites, seven backpacking camps, six rental cabins, and four canoe campsites! There are over 35 miles of trails to explore, including a 2.6-mile paved trail that is wheelchair accessible and great for bikers looking for a leisurely ride. What a place! Wild River State Park is located at 39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN, 55012.
Lake Maria State Park, Clementa Ave NW, Monticello, MN, USA
This 1,108-acre park is truly something special. It’s great for hikers, skiers, and horseback riders looking to explore the hilly landscape, but there is also a boardwalk along the marshlands that provides a great opportunity for a leisurely stroll.
If you are looking to extend your trip, check out the backpacking sites located on the lake. You’ll only need to hike 2-miles to get to the more remote areas, so it’s only a short hike to find yourself surrounded by nature. For the non-hikers, there are also cool little log cabins that you can rent!
Lake Maria is home to one of the only Big Woods stands in Southern Minnesota. The thick maple, oak, and elm forests once blanketed the land, but there are few remaining locations scattered throughout the area. Other areas of the park feature prairie land that is slowly being restored after major destruction that accompanied the introduction of modern agricultural activity. In the spring, the rolling hills bloom with dozens of wildflower species that are sure to make you smile.
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This area is alive with wild species to see. Deer, beavers, mink, muskrats, fox, and coyote can be seen throughout the park, and the marshes and wetlands serve as a common stop for herons, ducks, and pelicans. Lake Maria State Park is located at 11411 Clementa Ave. Northwest, Monticello, MN, 55362.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge—Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425, USA
It’s hard to believe the beauty of this National Wildlife Refuge, especially as part of it is located right in the middle of urban areas of the Twin Cities! The wildlife refuge covers more than 34 miles along the Minnesota River, but it’s pretty amazing to see the pristine, protected natural areas surrounded by all of the big city activity.
This portion of the Minnesota River is seeping with history. Much of this area was one filled with Dakota villages that flourished in this rich hunting and fishing environment. The river access was important to traders, which ultimately attracted European settlers and homesteaders to develop camps and forts in the 1600s.
Before you head out to explore this stunning natural wonder, stop by the Visitors Center to learn more about the history and environment found here. There is a large educational area, auditorium, and observation area what provide tons of information and will definitely make you explorations on the hiking, biking, and skiing trails even more exciting.
There are hundreds of species of birds that use this area either as a stop along their migratory path or a permanent nesting home. If you are lucky, you might just see a bald eagle or peregrine falcon! Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is located at 3815 East 80th St., Bloomington, MN, 55425.
Are you ready for your next adventure? What state park near Minneapolis will you plan to visit first? Did we miss any of your favorite spots in the state? Share them with us in the comments below!
For more amazing state parks to visit in and around Minneapolis, check out this list of five superlative state park gems.
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state parks to visit near Minneapolis
What are some other beautiful places I should plan to visit near Minneapolis?
Minnesota truly is an outdoor lover's paradise. Located right in the middle of the country on the Canadian border, Minnesota has much more than gorgeous lakes to offer. Minnesota also has incredible beaches, gardens, rivers, and trails to hike. From waterfalls and mountains to hiking trails and lakes (we *are* called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, after all), there's no shortage of outdoor recreation in Minnesota -- and here are some of our favorite places, adventures, and bucket-list-worthy spots.
How many state parks are there in Minnesota?
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 -- and it can be a little overwhelming on where to start. So let's start locally, with five spectacular state parks to visit all within a 50-mile range of Minneapolis. Among those on the list, Afton State Park is an all-around superstar that truly 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. So the real question isn't whether you're going to visit, but when.