All guides

All 106 planning guides. Each one covers costs, permits, reservations, seasons and distances, checked against official sources. Pick a topic or region to narrow the list.

Topic

Region

106 guides

Afton State Park

Afton State Park guide: 27 hike-in backpack sites, camper cabins and yurts, 20 miles of bluff and ravine trails, the river beach, winter skiing, fees and directions.

The concrete breakwater walkway leading to the white Grand Marais lighthouse, with the town shoreline behind it

Artists' Point in Grand Marais

Artists' Point in Grand Marais: where to park, what the rock point, breakwater and 1922 lighthouse are, and the wave and ice risks to check before walking out.

Banning State Park

Banning State Park is mostly closed for construction until October 2027. What is still open, where to camp nearby, and the Kettle River trails and rapids.

Bear Head Lake under a summer sky with a leaning pine and a dark line of conifers on the far shore, seen from the campground

Bear Head Lake State Park

Bear Head Lake State Park planning guide: 73 campsites, year-round cabins and guesthouse, backpack and canoe sites, trails, winter skiing and fees near Ely.

Beaver Creek Valley State Park

Beaver Creek Valley State Park planning guide: 42 drive-in and 9 cart-in campsites, trout fishing rules, Big Spring and the bluff trails, fees and season dates.

Big Stone Lake State Park

Big Stone Lake State Park guide: 37 campsites (13 lakeside, 10 electric) near Ortonville, fishing at the Minnesota River source, prairie trails, fees, seasons.

Blue Mounds State Park

Blue Mounds State Park guide: the bison herd and prairie tours, the 100-foot quartzite cliff, rock climbing, 71 campsites plus 14 cart-in, trails, fees and seasons.

The brick Fitger's Brewery complex on East Superior Street in Duluth, home of Fitger's Brewhouse

Breweries in Duluth

Breweries in Duluth as of November 2026: which taprooms are open, where they are, current hours, food, kids and dog rules, and which ones have closed.

Buffalo River State Park

Buffalo River State Park guide: 44 drive-in campsites (35 electric), 12 miles of trail into one of Minnesota's largest prairies, river fishing, fees and seasons.

Camden State Park

Camden State Park planning guide: 80 campsites and Redwood Lodge, the Dakota Valley overlook trail, Redwood River trout and Brawner Lake, fees and seasons.

Lakefront campsites at the Grand Marais municipal campground beside Lake Superior in Minnesota

Camping near Grand Marais

Camping near Grand Marais, MN: the city campground, Cascade River and Judge Magney state parks, and three national forest campgrounds, with prices and booking.

Carley State Park

Carley State Park planning guide: the May bluebells on the Wildflower Trail, 20 rustic campsites (closed for 2026), trout fishing, winter access and permits.

Cascade River State Park

Cascade River State Park planning guide: the half-mile Cascade Falls loop, Superior Hiking Trail loops, 40 drive-in and 5 backpack campsites, winter and costs.

The Lindbergh boyhood home in Little Falls, a gray two-story house with a red roof and porch among tall trees

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park guide: 38 wooded campsites near Little Falls, the nearby Lindbergh House, the Jenny landing site trail, fees and seasons.

Crow Wing State Park

Crow Wing State Park guide: 59 wooded campsites and a camper cabin near Brainerd, the Old Crow Wing town site, Chippewa Lookout, the Paul Bunyan Trail and fees.

The Devil's Kettle on the Brule River, where half the river drops into a pothole

Devil's Kettle hike

The Devil's Kettle hike in Judge C.R. Magney State Park: distance, stairs and permits, plus what DNR hydrologists actually measured about the disappearing water.

Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge and a pier lighthouse at the ship canal beside Canal Park, seen from the water

Duluth restaurants by neighborhood

Duluth restaurants in Canal Park, along East Superior Street and in Lincoln Park: addresses, November 2026 hours, and what each one says it serves.

Split Rock Lighthouse above Lake Superior on the North Shore Scenic Drive

Duluth to Grand Marais drive

Duluth to Grand Marais on Highway 61, stop by stop: Scenic 61 vs. the expressway, every state park in order, where you need a permit, and winter driving notes.

Eagle Mountain's forested ridge rising behind a lake in Cook County, Minnesota's highest point

Eagle Mountain, Minnesota's highest point

Eagle Mountain, Minnesota's highest point at 2,301 feet: trailhead directions, the 7-mile round trip, and the free Boundary Waters day permit you need.

Father Hennepin State Park

Father Hennepin State Park guide: 103 campsites on Mille Lacs Lake, the sand beach and fishing piers, trail miles, permit costs and the November gate closure.

Flandrau State Park

Flandrau State Park planning guide: 72 campsites and camper cabins in New Ulm, the sand-bottom swim pond, 8 miles of hiking, ski trails, fees and seasons.

A banded flowstone formation called cave bacon hanging from a rock ledge inside Mystery Cave in southeastern Minnesota

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park guide: Mystery Cave tour prices and season, 73 campsites, camper cabins, horse camp, trout streams and Historic Forestville.

Fort Ridgely State Park

Fort Ridgely State Park planning guide: campsites, horse camp, chalet and farmhouse, 9 miles of hiking, the historic fort site, fees, seasons and directions.

Fort Snelling State Park

Fort Snelling State Park guide: Pike Island and the river confluence, Snelling Lake beach, 18 miles of trail, winter skiing, permits, transit and what is open now.

Franz Jevne State Park

Franz Jevne State Park planning guide: 18 rustic campsites on the Rainy River, fishing for walleye and sturgeon, short trails, permits and the seasonal gate closure.

Frontenac State Park

Frontenac State Park planning guide: 58 bluff-top campsites, the In Yan Teopa rock and Lake Pepin trails, birding season, winter skiing, fees and closures.

Glacial Lakes State Park

Glacial Lakes State Park planning guide: 37 campsites and 6 camper cabins near Starbuck, prairie hills trails, Signalness Lake fishing and swimming, fees.

Glendalough State Park

Glendalough State Park guide: the 22 cart-in sites, camper cabins and two yurts, the paved bike loop to Battle Lake, Annie Battle Lake fishing rules and fees.

A river winding through a valley of orange and gold fall color at Gooseberry Falls State Park

Gooseberry Falls camping

Gooseberry Falls State Park camping: 69 non-electric sites, which part of the campground to pick, winter rules, the 120-day booking window and real costs.

Lower Gooseberry Falls pouring over dark basalt ledges in Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota

Gooseberry Falls trails and parking

Gooseberry Falls explained: which trail reaches the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls, how long each takes, the free visitor center lot, accessibility and winter access.

Storefronts along Wisconsin Street at Broadway Avenue in downtown Grand Marais, Minnesota

Grand Marais restaurants, by season

Grand Marais restaurants, bakeries and the brewery, checked open as of November 2026: addresses, hours, which ones close for winter and what each serves.

The reconstructed Grand Portage depot stockade and dock on Grand Portage Bay, seen from the Mount Rose overlook

Grand Portage National Monument guide

Grand Portage National Monument: free admission, Heritage Center and depot seasons, the Mount Rose and portage trails, and how it differs from the state park.

High Falls of the Pigeon River at Grand Portage State Park on the Minnesota-Ontario border

Grand Portage State Park guide

Grand Portage State Park planning guide: the High Falls walk, the Middle Falls hike, hours, why no permit is needed, and why you can't camp there.

Great River Bluffs State Park

Great River Bluffs State Park planning guide: the King's Bluff and overlook trails, 31 reservable non-electric campsites, fall color, winter skiing and permits.

The paved two-lane Gunflint Trail curving through dense green forest in northern Minnesota

Gunflint Trail drive guide

Drive the 57-mile Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais: stops by mile, Forest Service campgrounds, Chik-Wauk Museum, and what Boundary Waters permits you need.

Hayes Lake State Park

Hayes Lake State Park guide: 35 campsites and 2 camper cabins, an electric-motor-only fishing lake, trail miles, the bog boardwalk, permits and seasons.

Hill Annex Mine State Park

Hill Annex Mine State Park is permanently closed. Why the Calumet park was abolished in 2024, its mining history, the passport stamp and parks to visit instead.

Interstate State Park

Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls, Minnesota: the glacial potholes, Dalles of the St. Croix trails, 37 campsites, rock climbing permits, fees and closures.

The Sea Hunter III ferry tied up at the Grand Portage Isle Royale Lines dock in Grand Portage, Minnesota

Isle Royale ferry from Grand Portage

Isle Royale ferry from Grand Portage, MN: Voyageur II and Sea Hunter III seasons, crossing times, 2026 fares, park entrance fees, and when 2027 booking opens.

Itasca State Park

Itasca State Park guide: the Mississippi headwaters walk, Wilderness Drive, campgrounds, Douglas Lodge rooms and cabins with nightly rates, permits and seasons.

Jay Cooke State Park

Jay Cooke State Park planning guide: the Swinging Bridge, 50 miles of trails, 79 drive-in sites and 5 year-round camper cabins, permit costs and winter skiing.

John A. Latsch State Park

John A. Latsch State Park guide: the half-mile Riverview Trail stairs up Charity Bluff, the permit-free lot on Highway 61, and where to camp nearby.

Kilen Woods State Park

Kilen Woods State Park planning guide: 33 campsites on the Des Moines River near Lakefield, 5 miles of prairie and oak trails, self-service permits, hunt closures.

Lac qui Parle State Park

Lac qui Parle State Park near Watson: 43 seasonal campsites with full hookups, cabins, the goose migration, walleye fishing, the closed lower campground and fees.

Lake Bemidji State Park

Lake Bemidji State Park guide: 95 campsites and 4 year-round camper cabins, the bog boardwalk, trail closures after the 2025 storm, permits and seasons.

Walkway across the old Lake Bronson Dam and full reservoir in 2017, before the dam replacement project

Lake Bronson State Park

Lake Bronson State Park guide: what is closed during the dam replacement, which campground stays open, the WPA tower, 14 miles of trail, permits and seasons.

Lake Carlos State Park

Lake Carlos State Park guide: 121 drive-in sites and the one-unit rule, camper cabins, the beach, hiking, horse and ski trail miles, fees and winter hours.

Lake Louise State Park

Lake Louise State Park near LeRoy: 20 drive-in campsites, a six-site horse camp, the swimming beach, Shooting Star bike trail access and current fees.

Lake Maria State Park

Lake Maria State Park guide: 17 hike-in backpack sites, three walk-in camper cabins, 14 miles of Big Woods trails, ski trails, the December hunt closure and fees.

Lake Shetek State Park

Lake Shetek State Park near Currie: full-hookup and electric campsites, cabins, the Loon Island trail, fishing and boat rentals, the bike loop, fees and seasons.

A cut and polished Lake Superior agate from Minnesota showing orange, white and tan bands around two eye-like rings

Lake Superior agates

Lake Superior agates explained: how Minnesota's state gemstone formed, how to spot one, where hunting is allowed, and why you can't take rocks from state parks.

Satellite view of all of Lake Superior in December 2018, with the first thin ice forming along its shores

Lake Superior water temperature

Lake Superior water temperature by month from NOAA's 1995-2025 satellite record, what nearshore readings near Duluth look like, and NWS cold water safety.

Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park

Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park guide: mine tour season and prices, camper cabins and campgrounds, lake access, trails and permits.

Aerial view of the historic downtown of Lanesboro, Minnesota, with brick storefronts, side streets and parked cars

Lanesboro restaurants

Lanesboro restaurants with hours posted on their own sites as of November 2026: cafes, a pub, a brewery taproom and two seasonal dinner spots, with addresses.

Two red Summit Express gondola cabins above early fall foliage in fog at Lutsen Mountains

Lutsen gondola planning guide

Lutsen's Summit Express Gondola: 2026 summer and fall dates, hours and ticket prices by age, winter sightseeing rides, what is at the top, and fall color timing.

Maplewood State Park

Maplewood State Park guide: campgrounds, camper cabins and horse camp, Hallaway Hill and 25 miles of trail, fall color, permits and what is open by season.

McCarthy Beach State Park

McCarthy Beach State Park planning guide: the half-mile Sturgeon Lake beach, Side Lake and Beatrice Lake campgrounds, trails, boat rentals and permit costs.

Green forest canopy stretching to Mille Lacs Lake on the horizon, seen from the Mille Lacs Kathio fire tower

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park guide: the 100-foot fire tower, 70 drive-in sites and 5 cabins, 35 miles of trail, the historic sites, winter camping and fees.

Minneopa State Park

Minneopa State Park near Mankato: the double waterfall, Bison Drive hours, 58 to 61 campsites and a year-round cabin, plus permit costs and current closures.

A campsite in the new campground at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Minnesota

Minnesota state park reservations, North Shore

How Minnesota state park reservations work on the North Shore: the 120-day window, 8 a.m. opening, fees, same-day booking, cancellations and park-by-park tips.

Monson Lake State Park

Monson Lake State Park near Sunburg: the small 20-site campground, bass and walleye fishing, the paddle to West Sunburg Lake, 1862 history, fees and seasons.

Moose Lake State Park

Moose Lake State Park planning guide: 33 drive-in campsites off I-35, Echo Lake fishing and paddling, the Agate and Geological Center, fees and seasons.

Myre-Big Island State Park

Myre-Big Island State Park near Albert Lea: 93 drive-in sites, the camper cabin, year-round camping, Big Island and esker trails, rentals and fees.

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park guide: the half-mile walk to Hidden Falls, 51 drive-in and 10 walk-in or cart-in sites, wildflower season, parking and permits.

Castle Danger Brewery building with a grain silo beside it in Two Harbors, Minnesota

North Shore breweries, in driving order

North Shore breweries from Two Harbors to Grand Marais in driving order: Castle Danger, Voyageur and Gun Flint Tavern, with hours as of November 2026 and food.

Orange-leaved birch trees on the rocky Lake Superior shoreline along the North Shore Scenic Drive in Minnesota

North Shore fall colors

When North Shore fall colors peak, inland ridges versus the Lake Superior shoreline, how to read the DNR Fall Color Finder, and which drives and parks to plan.

Split Rock Lighthouse on its snowy cliff above an ice-covered Lake Superior shoreline in winter

North Shore in winter

What stays open on Minnesota's North Shore in winter: state park winter camping, groomed ski trail miles, ski pass and permit costs, and MnDOT 511 road checks.

Fall colors from the Misquah Trail overlook toward Lake Superior in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

North Shore state parks compared

All 8 North Shore Minnesota state parks side by side: campsites, electric hookups, cabins, winter camping, signature walk and location, from DNR data.

High Falls of the Baptism River pouring over a rock ledge in Tettegouche State Park on Minnesota's North Shore

North Shore waterfalls in driving order

Every major North Shore waterfall in driving order from Duluth, with the walk length, stairs, permit rule and park for each, from Gooseberry Falls to Grand Portage.

Dirt path through red, orange and green fall foliage on the Oberg Mountain loop near Tofte, Minnesota

Oberg Mountain trail

Oberg Mountain near Tofte: loop length, the Onion River Road trailhead and parking, the overlooks, and how to handle fall color weekend crowds.

Old Mill State Park

Old Mill State Park guide: the historic Larson Mill and Grinding Day, 25 riverside campsites (10 electric), 7 miles of trail, the swimming pond, fees and seasons.

The rhyolite cliffs of Palisade Head dropping straight into Lake Superior in Tettegouche State Park

Palisade Head road and parking

Palisade Head explained: the road up from Highway 61, the one-hour parking rule, why no permit is needed, the winter hike, cliff safety and climbing permits.

The St. James Hotel at 406 Main Street in Red Wing, Minnesota, home of Scarlet Kitchen and Bar and The Port

Red Wing restaurants

Red Wing, MN restaurants confirmed open in November 2026: addresses, hours, what each serves in its own words, plus Red Wing Brewery and which days places close.

The water tower in the City of Brainerd, Minnesota, against the sky

Restaurants in Brainerd

Restaurants in Brainerd and Baxter, MN, plus Gull Lake dining, a supper club and two breweries, each checked on its own site, with hours as of November 2026.

Rice Lake State Park

Rice Lake State Park near Owatonna: 40 drive-in sites plus walk-in, cart-in and canoe-in camping, paddle rentals, migration birding, trails and fees.

Downtown Rochester, Minnesota, seen from above: a brick church, office buildings and a tree-lined street

Rochester breweries and taprooms

Rochester, MN breweries confirmed open in November 2026: Forager, Kinney Creek and LTS, with hours, food, kids and dogs, plus which taprooms have closed.

Sakatah Lake State Park

Sakatah Lake State Park planning guide: 62 campsites and bike-in sites, the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, lake fishing and paddling, fees and seasons.

Savanna Portage State Park

Savanna Portage State Park guide: the historic portage trail and Continental Divide, 61 drive-in sites, a camper cabin, four lakes, winter trails and fees.

Scenic State Park

Scenic State Park planning guide: Chase Point and Lodge campgrounds, the CCC cabin, Coon-Sandwick Lake fishing and trails, permit costs and seasonal closures.

Schoolcraft State Park

Schoolcraft State Park guide: 28 rustic drive-in campsites on the Mississippi near Deer River, old pine trails, boat access, fees and seasons.

Sea stack and rocky, wooded shoreline at Shovel Point on Lake Superior in Tettegouche State Park

Shovel Point trail guide

Shovel Point in Tettegouche State Park: trail distance from the visitor center, the 300 stairs, free parking, cliff safety and the rock climbing permit.

Sibley State Park

Sibley State Park near New London: the Mount Tom hike, Lake Andrew beach and fishing, 99 campsites and 4 heated cabins, winter skiing, fees and closures.

Black Beach in Silver Bay, Minnesota, with dark sand along the Lake Superior shoreline

Silver Bay and Beaver Bay

Silver Bay and Beaver Bay, MN: where they sit between Split Rock and Tettegouche, Black Beach and its campground rates, the marina, trails and town services.

Split Rock Creek State Park

Split Rock Creek State Park guide: 33 campsites on Split Rock Lake, the beach and fishing pier, the WPA dam, prairie trails, winter, fees and directions.

Split Rock Lighthouse on its snow-dusted cliff above Lake Superior under a pink winter sky

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park camping

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park camping: 20 cart-in sites, 46 electric sites, 4 backpack sites, costs, booking dates and how the lighthouse fee differs.

A stack of beach stones in front of Split Rock Lighthouse on its cliff above Lake Superior in Minnesota

Split Rock Lighthouse visiting guide

Split Rock Lighthouse hours by season, ticket prices, the free-parking rule, the November 10 beacon lighting, and how the historic site differs from the state park.

St. Croix State Park

St. Croix State Park guide: 211 drive-in sites plus CCC cabins, 127 miles of trails, the fire tower and two rivers, fall hunt closures, fees and directions.

Aerial view of historic downtown Stillwater, Minnesota, seen from over the St. Croix River

Stillwater restaurants

Stillwater restaurants and taprooms confirmed open: Main Street dining, the Freight House, two breweries, hours as of November 2026 and downtown parking rules.

Lake Agnes on the Superior Hiking Trail near Lutsen, ringed by spruce and early fall color

Superior Hiking Trail day hikes

Superior Hiking Trail day hikes by trailhead: loop and point-to-point distances, Highway 61 mileposts, parking rules, shuttles and what costs money.

Temperance River State Park

Temperance River State Park planning guide: the gorge and Hidden Falls trails, Carlton Peak, 52 drive-in and 6 cart-in campsites, permit costs and seasons.

Shovel Point's cliffs on Lake Superior in Tettegouche State Park

Tettegouche State Park camping

Tettegouche State Park camping explained: drive-in, cart-in, walk-in and backpack sites, hike-in cabins, costs, and how the 120-day ReserveMN window works.

Big Ole, the 28-foot Viking statue holding a shield in Big Ole Park in Alexandria, Minnesota

Things to do in Alexandria

Things to do in Alexandria, MN: the Runestone Museum and Big Ole, Lake Carlos State Park, the 55-mile Central Lakes Trail, Carlos Creek and winter events.

Statue of Babe the Blue Ox in the snow in front of the Paul Bunyan Land sign in Brainerd, Minnesota

Things to do in Brainerd, MN

Things to do in Brainerd, MN by season: the Paul Bunyan State Trail, Cuyuna mountain biking, Crow Wing State Park, Northland Arboretum and Paul Bunyan Land.

Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge over the ship canal, seen from Canal Park in winter

Things to do in Duluth

Things to do in Duluth with costs and November 2026 hours: Canal Park and the Lift Bridge, Lakewalk, Glensheen, the aquarium, Skyline Parkway, plus kids' picks.

A gray wolf walking past rocks and a pond at the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota

Things to do in Ely, MN

Things to do in Ely, MN by season: the International Wolf Center, North American Bear Center, Dorothy Molter Museum, BWCA day trips and the Soudan mine tour.

Shops and storefronts looking north on Broadway Avenue in downtown Grand Marais, Minnesota

Things to do in Grand Marais

Things to do in Grand Marais, MN, sorted by how much time you have and the season, with published hours, prices and dates from official sources.

Two people floating on tubes down the Root River in Lanesboro past forested hills, seen from an iron bridge

Things to do in Lanesboro, MN

Things to do in Lanesboro, MN: biking the Root River State Trail, tubing and canoe rentals, the Commonweal Theatre, Amish tours and what is open in late fall.

Barn Bluff rising above Red Wing, Minnesota, seen from the Eisenhower Bridge over the Mississippi River

Things to do in Red Wing

Things to do in Red Wing, MN: Barn Bluff, the Red Wing Shoe and Pottery museums, the Cannon Valley Trail closure, Sheldon Theatre and Frontenac State Park.

Aerial panorama of downtown Stillwater and the Stillwater Lift Bridge over the St. Croix River

Things to do in Stillwater

Things to do in Stillwater, MN: the Lift Bridge loop, Brown's Creek Trail, trolley and river cruises, two history sites, parking rules and nearby state parks.

Downtown Taylors Falls, Minnesota, looking north along Highway 95 on the St. Croix Scenic Byway

Things to do in Taylors Falls

Things to do in Taylors Falls, MN: the glacial potholes, Dalles boat tours and 2027 fares, canoe rentals, Folsom House, Wild Mountain and St. Croix Falls.

The weathered limestone pinnacle of Sugar Loaf in Winona, Minnesota, against a blue sky above green trees

Things to do in Winona, MN

Things to do in Winona, MN: Garvin Heights, Sugar Loaf, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, the Lake Winona loop, Bluffside trails and nearby state parks.

The lake freighter James R. Barker loading iron ore at the ore docks in Agate Bay, Two Harbors, Minnesota

Two Harbors, MN: what to do

Things to do in Two Harbors, MN: the lighthouse, depot museum and ore docks, current museum hours, the Scenic 61 drive, Burlington Bay camping and nearby parks.

View from a sandstone ledge on the Chimney Rock Trail over wooded bluffs and the Whitewater River in early spring

Whitewater State Park

Whitewater State Park planning guide: 110 campsites and winter camping, Chimney Rock and the bluff trails, trout fishing, fees and current road and hunt closures.

Wild River State Park

Wild River State Park guide: 94 drive-in campsites with winter camping, six camper cabins, 30-plus miles of trail on the St. Croix, ski trails, fees and GPS tips.

William O'Brien State Park

William O'Brien State Park guide: 114 campsites, camper cabins, St. Croix trails and skiing, the Lake Alice closure, the November hunt, fees and directions.

Zippel Bay State Park

Zippel Bay State Park guide: 57 drive-in campsites on Lake of the Woods, the white sand beach, marina and fishing pier, trails, winter access, fees and seasons.