Minnesota's Biggest State Park Is St. Croix State Park, And It's 34,000 Acres Of Fun
By Betsy Rathburn|Published September 14, 2019
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Minnesota is home to 67 state parks. These beautiful oases are found in every corner of the state, and they draw visitors thanks to their breathtaking natural scenery, proximity to wildlife, and excellent camping accommodations. Each is great in is own way, but there’s one Minnesota state park that stands out above the rest thanks to its enormous size. St. Croix State Park is the largest state park in Minnesota. It covers 33,895 acres of land in east-central Minnesota, and your visit will be simply unforgettable. Read on to learn about everything you can do in this huge park.
St. Croix State Park is Minnesota's largest state park. It covers nearly 34,000 acres in east-central Minnesota, in Hinckley. Address: 30065 Saint Croix Park Road, Hinckley, MN 55037.
The park borders two rivers. The St. Croix River, which gives the park its name, make up 21 miles of the park's border. The Kettle River flows through 7 miles of the park.
The rivers offer endless recreation at St. Croix State Park. It's great for canoeing and fishing. There are even sandy beaches to swim and sunbathe in the warmer months.
The sparkling waters of the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers also make a beautiful place to sit in peace. There are many overlooks throughout the park. They're especially beautiful in fall!
Because there's so much to explore in this park - the rivers are only the beginning - it's a good idea to stay in one of the many campsites. The facilities are clean, the sites are well-maintained, and it's a great experience for a family or small group.
Whether or not you spend the night, you'll want to get an early start to explore the park fully. There are more than 120 miles of trails, so you will never run out of things to see!
Red and white pines, aspens, and much more plant life will make your exploration interesting and beautiful. There's also a unique area of jackpine barrens that stands out among the other taller trees.
Beyond the river and the hikes, one of St. Croix State Park's most interesting attractions is its fire tower. Rising 100 feet above the ground, it offers those brave enough to climb to the top an incredible view.
You'll be able to see for miles around, truly getting a glimpse of just how big this park is. If you can handle the rickety stairs, it is well worth the effort!
All in all, St. Croix State Park is an incredible place to spend a weekend - or longer - in Minnesota. Minnesota's largest state park is beautiful at every time of year!
