Middle Gooseberry Falls in Gooseberry Falls State Park

Minnesota state parks

Planning guides for Minnesota state parks: what each one has, what it costs and when to go.

Photo: Edward Morrissey, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

State parks

A curving paved park road at Afton State Park passing a hillside of prairie grass and a tree turning yellow in fall

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 Kettle River rushing between rocky, tree-lined banks in Banning State Park, Minnesota

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.

Clear Beaver Creek flowing around beds of green aquatic plants between bare wooded slopes in Beaver Creek Valley State Park

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.

Wooden dock reaching into Big Stone Lake under a sky of heavy white clouds at Big Stone Lake State Park near Ortonville

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.

Pink Sioux Quartzite cliff and broken rock below green prairie and shrubs under a blue sky at Blue Mounds State Park

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 Buffalo River curving around a grassy bend under bare autumn trees and gray sky in Buffalo River State Park

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.

A park bench on mowed grass beside a calm pond, with bare and autumn-colored trees behind, at Camden State Park

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.

Concrete stepping blocks crossing the North Branch Whitewater River to a trail on the far bank at Carley State Park

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.

The Cascade River dropping over a series of rock ledges into dark pools in Cascade River State Park

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.

A picnic table under shade trees on the grassy bank of the Mississippi River at Crow Wing State Park

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.

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.

Tall grass in front of a fall-colored wooded point on the Mille Lacs Lake shore at Father Hennepin State Park

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.

The Cottonwood River bending below a steep, eroded sand bluff topped with green summer forest in Flandrau State Park

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 Creek running over a rocky bed between dense green summer trees in Fort Ridgely State Park

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.

Snow-covered shore at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers in Fort Snelling State Park on a clear winter day

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.

The Rainy River in autumn from Franz Jevne State Park, with red shrubs in front and the Ontario shore across the water

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.

Lake Pepin seen from a limestone bluff top at Frontenac State Park, with bare trees and the far shore in warm low light

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.

A circle of wooden benches in tall autumn grass with Signalness Lake behind it at Glacial Lakes State Park

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.

Fallen yellow and orange leaves under bare and golden trees beside Annie Battle Lake in Glendalough State Park

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.

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.

The Mississippi River and its wooded floodplain seen through leafy branches from a bluff in Great River Bluffs State Park

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.

Wooden bog boardwalk and interpretive sign in a cedar forest at Hayes Lake State Park near Roseau, Minnesota

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.

A closed chain-link gate at the former Hill Annex Mine State Park, with a raised wooden viewing platform behind it

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.

The St. Croix River flowing through the rock-walled Dalles of the St. Croix at Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls

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.

Headwaters rocks and marker post where the Mississippi River leaves Lake Itasca in Itasca State Park, Minnesota

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.

The Swinging Bridge at Jay Cooke State Park spanning the rocky St. Louis River between stone pillars

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.

View from the bluff at John A. Latsch State Park over Highway 61 and the wide Mississippi River below wooded bluffs

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.

The Des Moines River curving past bare trees and brown fall grass under a clear blue sky at Kilen Woods State Park

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.

Open, grassy campsites with picnic tables under a cloudy sky in the Lac qui Parle State Park campground

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 entrance sign with carved bears, picnic tables and the lake behind the trees

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.

Sunset clouds lit pink and orange over Lake Carlos and a dark tree line at Lake Carlos State Park

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.

Silhouetted trees and a picnic table on the shore of Lake Louise at sunset, Lake Louise State Park

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.

A row of overturned aluminum DNR canoes resting on logs beside tall grass at Lake Maria State Park

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.

A dock on Lake Shetek near the picnic area at sunset in Lake Shetek State Park

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 white mine building, steel water tower and Soudan Mine historical sign at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park

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.

Beaver Lake below fall-colored hills, with rust-colored marsh grass in front, at Maplewood State Park

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.

Overturned aluminum rental boats under pines on the shore of Side Lake at McCarthy Beach State Park, Minnesota

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 Falls spilling over a wide rock ledge into Minneopa Creek, framed by green trees, at Minneopa State Park

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 under a sweeping cloud bank at Monson Lake State Park near Sunburg, Minnesota

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.

Echo Lake in Moose Lake State Park under a cloudy sky, seen through shoreline grass and young trees

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.

Albert Lea Lake framed by bare tree branches, with a wooded shoreline beyond, at Myre-Big Island State Park

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.

Hidden Falls spilling over a wide limestone ledge into a shallow pool in the forest at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

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.

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.

Table, two wooden chairs and an oil lamp inside the log pioneer cabin at Old Mill State Park, light coming through the door

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.

Rice Lake in fall seen past a tree and tall golden marsh grass at Rice Lake State Park near Owatonna

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.

The paved Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail running straight through green summer woods in Sakatah Lake State Park

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.

The bow of a canoe on Savanna Lake in Savanna Portage State Park, with a wooded shoreline under a blue sky

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.

A row of canoes along the shore of Coon Lake under tall pines at Scenic State Park near Bigfork, Minnesota

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.

Three kayakers paddling the Mississippi River past green reeds and pine forest at Schoolcraft State Park

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.

View from Mt. Tom at dusk over a wide stretch of treetops in Sibley State Park, Minnesota

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.

The stone Split Rock Creek dam and bridge in autumn at Split Rock Creek State Park near Jasper

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.

The calm St. Croix River at Sand Creek Landing in St. Croix State Park, with green trees reflected at dusk

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.

Whitewater in the Temperance River between dark basalt rock walls and pines in Temperance River State Park

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.

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.

The shallow, rocky Sunrise River under green trees in Wild River State Park, just upstream of the St. Croix

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.

Late autumn prairie grass with bare trees and a lone pine under a cloudy sky at William O'Brien State Park

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.

Sun setting over the entrance to Zippel Bay on Lake of the Woods, framed by autumn trees and rocks in Zippel Bay State Park

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.

Compare every Minnesota state park side by side in the park finder.