Nature|National & State Parks

Updated Feb 16, 2022

These 10 Small Towns In Minnesota Have Stunning State Parks Right In Their Backyard

Minnesota offers beautiful small towns adjacent to stunning state parks, perfect for a visit.

Updated Feb 16, 2022

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Nature|National & State Parks

Published Sep 16, 2024

The Completely Free Museum Hiding in a Minnesota Park Is a Must-Visit

Explore Moose Lake State Park in Minnesota for hiking, camping, and a free geological museum. Perfect for a weekend or day trip.

Published Sep 16, 2024

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Moose Lake State Park, near the Minnesota town with which it shares a name, is located about halfway between Hinckley and Duluth. This means that it's sometimes overlooked by folks rushing to get up to the North Shore or back down to the cities - or bypassed in favor of more popular Minnesota state parks in the vicinity, like Jay Cooke or Banning State Parks. But make no mistake, Moose Lake State Park has much to offer, and those who make the stop are in for a bonus: There's a fascinating museum in this Minnesota state park, and it's completely free to enjoy.

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alt — Stephen Blum/AllTrails

You'll find Moose Lake State Park just a few minutes southeast of Moose Lake, Minnesota, and about 40 minutes south of Duluth. At 829 acres, it's one of the smaller state parks in Minnesota, but you'll find plenty to enjoy here.

alt — Bill Brewer/AllTrails

The park is home to five miles of hiking trails that wind through woods and along lakes and ponds. Echo and Moosehead Lakes are the park's two main bodies of water. The former is home to a boat ramp, fishing pier, and swimming beach. I think Echo Lake is particularly beautiful for canoeing or kayaking. Campers will find 33 drive-thru sites, including 20 with electric hook-ups. The maximum RV length is 60 feet. There are also two walk-in sites for folks seeking a little more solitude.

alt — Anthony Fuller/AllTrails

But before you enjoy all these other park amenities, be sure to take some time to explore the Moose Lake Agate and Geological Center, which is located inside the park's visitor center. It's full of exhibits covering the unique geology of this part of Minnesota.

alt — Ann/Flickr

And, as its name implies, it's a wonderful place to learn more about - and see specimens of - our beautiful state gemstone, the Lake Superior agate.

alt — Ann/Flickr

Moose Lake State Park and the Moose Lake Agate and Geological Center are excellent destinations for a weekend or day trip, but they're definitely worth a stop on your way to or from Duluth and the North Shore. The park visitor center is open seasonally from May to October, Fridays through Sundays. The Agate and Geological Center is open when the visitor center is open. Although you need a vehicle permit to drive into the park, you can tour the museum for free. Visit the park's home on the DNR website for more information. If you plan to hike while you're there, AllTrails Plus is an awesome resource for trail maps and information.

Have you visited Moose Lake State Park and checked out the Agate and Geological Center? Let us know in the comments!

Nature|National & State Parks

Updated Aug 13, 2024

Itasca State Park Is The Single Best State Park In Minnesota And It’s Just Waiting To Be Explored

Itasca State Park, Minnesota's oldest state park, offers numerous lakes, hiking trails, and the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Updated Aug 13, 2024

Written by

Here in Minnesota, it's not hard to find an amazing state park to explore. After all, our state does have more than 60 of them. All are fantastic to visit for hiking, camping, boating, and more. But some stand out above the rest, including Itasca State Park. It was the first state park in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and I think it's easily one of the best state parks in Minnesota.

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Itasca State Park is located about halfway between Park Rapids and Bemidji in northern Minnesota.

alt — Google Maps

Tap or click on the map above for directions to Itasca State Park from your location in Google Maps.

Itasca State Park is a popular park in northern Minnesota. As Minnesota's oldest state park, it's been drawing visitors since 1891.

alt — Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

It's also the second largest state park in Minnesota and the second-oldest state park in the entire United States.

You'll quickly see why this park is so special.

alt — Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

For one thing, it is home to more than 100 lakes across its nearly 33,000 acres. They're great for fishing, paddling, or simply relaxing.

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Many trails crisscross the park.

alt — Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

In fact, there are 49 miles of hiking trails throughout Itasca State Park. I particularly love walking among the old growth pine trees in the park.

They lead through forests, along lakes, and to historic buildings.

alt — lightinacube/Flickr

If you're brave enough, they even lead up to a historic fire tower.

alt — Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

The climb up challenged my nerves, but the spectacular views from the top made it worthwhile.

alt — Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

As you hike any of the trails, you're likely to come across many different plant and animal species.

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alt — Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

Lady's slippers are commonly spotted in early summer, as are many other types of wildflowers.

As for wildlife, visitors have spotted many birds, white-tailed deer, and even black bears.

alt — Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

I ran into this little guy on the trail on one of my recent visits.

And even if it isn't wildflower season, you're likely to see some color.

alt — Brett Whaley/Flickr

Visit in the fall to see the changing leaves. This is one of Minnesota's prettiest parks in the autumn.

Of course, Itasca State Park is most famous for being the site of the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

alt — Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

There's even a sign commemorating the spot. Gather together around it for a classic Minnesota family portrait.

Another great photo opportunity is the walk across the headwaters.

alt — Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

It's lined with stones that most visitors can easily make their way across. It's one of the only places where it's possible to walk across the Mighty Mississippi.

For more information on the park's trails and downloadable maps, check out AllTrails Plus. Have you ever been to Itasca State Park? Do you agree with me that it's one of the best state parks in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments. And if you're looking for somewhere a bit off the beaten path, check out our past list of some of the least-crowded state parks in Minnesota.

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