Minnesota has plenty of beautiful small towns and stunning state parks, and nothing is more perfect than when the two come together. It's fortunate enough to have an adorable town conveniently next to a recreation destination. These 10 are some of the best small towns with gorgeous state parks to visit in Minnesota.
1. Caledonia
Beaver Creek Valley State Park has gorgeous hiking paths and perfect views of Southern Minnesota scenery just miles away from Caledonia, a small city of fewer than 2,800 residents.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Beaver Creek Valley State Park.
2. Luverne
Near this charming southwestern Minnesota city of approximately 4,500 people, the historic and amazing Blue Mounds State Park offers a prairie escape like no other. You can even see buffalo roaming here.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Blue Mounds State Park.
3. Currie
This adorable town of 200 is the Gateway to Lake Shetek where a stunning state park encompasses plenty of recreation land to enjoy. It may be one of the most beautiful state parks in Minnesota.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Lake Shetek State Park.
4. Nerstrand
Beautiful hidden falls and much more await at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park close to the small, beautiful town of the same name with just over 300 residents. You find plenty of things to do outside in Minnesota here.
Visit the Nerstrand Big Woods State Park web page for more information.
5. Lake Bronson
There's no doubt that the views in Lake Bronson are stunning with a state park on the same body of water! It's one of the best state parks in Minnesota.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Lake Bronson State Park.
6. Tofte
A few miles from the adorable town of Tofte on Highway 61 you can find the massive and gorgeous Tettegouche State Park with views of Lake Superior of no other. It's considered one of the best state parks in Minnesota.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Tettegouche State Park.
7. Calumet
The historic and beautiful Hill Annex Mine State Park is right next to Calumet, a small town with just over 400 residents. It's one of the most fascinating state parks to visit in Minnesota.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Hill Annex Mine State Park.
8. Battle Lake
Glendalough State Park is a beautiful lakeside park next to the fun, small town of Battle Lake, with under 700 residents.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Glendalough State Park.
9. Carlton
Next to this small town of 1,100, you'll find one of the most stunning river parks in Minnesota. Jay Cooke State Park has beautiful hiking trails, stunning falls, and the historic swinging bridge.
Visit the Jay Cooke State Park web page for more information.
10. Bigfork
Epic views can be found right in Bigfork's backyard at Scenic State Park in Northern Minnesota. Offering numerous things to do outside in Minnesota, this is one state park you won't want to miss!
Visit the Scenic State Park web page for more information.
How many of these towns with state parks to visit in Minnesota have you been to before? Did you visit only the town or the park as well? Let us know about your experience in the comments!
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