Map of State Parks of Minnesota
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There are 67 state parks, nine state recreation areas, nine state waysides, and 23 state trails in the Minnesota state park system, totaling approximately 267,000 acres (1,080 km2).[1][2] A Minnesota state park is an area of land in the U.S. state of Minnesota preserved by the state for its natural, historic, or other resources. Each was created by an act of the Minnesota Legislature and is maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Minnesota Historical Society operates sites within some of them. The park system began in 1891 with Itasca State Park when a state law was adopted to "maintain intact, forever, a limited quantity of the domain of this commonwealth...in a state of nature."[3] Minnesota's state park system is the second oldest in the United States, after New York's.[4]: 2 

Minnesota's state parks are spread across the state in such a way that there is a state park within 50 miles (80 km) of every Minnesotan.[5] The most recent park created is Lake Vermilion State Park, created in 2010. The parks range in size from Franz Jevne State Park with 118 acres (48 ha) to Saint Croix State Park with 34,037 acres (13,774 ha). Two parks include resources listed as National Natural Landmarks (Big Bog State Recreation Area and Itasca State Park) and six parks encompass National Historic Landmarks (Charles A. Lindbergh, Fort Snelling, Mille Lacs Kathio, St. Croix, Soudan Underground Mine, and Split Rock Lighthouse State Parks). 52 sites or districts across 34 Minnesota state parks are on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), including 22 parks with developments constructed by New Deal-era job creation programs in the 1930s.[6]

History

Minnesota's first attempt to create a state park came in 1885, when a 173-acre (70 ha) park was authorized to preserve Minnehaha Falls. The effort was delayed by legal appeals from the various landowners of the desired parkland, and by the time those were settled in favor of the state in 1889, Minnesota no longer had the money to purchase the land. Instead the city of Minneapolis fronted the cash. Owned and operated by Minneapolis, Minnehaha State Park was ultimately absorbed as a city park.[4]: 3 

Minnesota tried again in 1891, authorizing a state park around Lake Itasca both for its recreational opportunities and to protect the source of the Mississippi River. Interstate Park on the St. Croix River was created in 1895. Other sites were added over the next two decades, but with an inconsistent vision. Modest tracts of scenic land were acquired in Minneopa and Jay Cooke State Parks, but much effort was also expended on creating historical monuments relating to the Dakota War of 1862 and the Great Hinckley Fire. Moreover, most of the sites were being administered by the state auditor, who had many other duties. Itasca State Park, meanwhile, was being administered as a state forest. In 1923, state auditor Ray P. Chase excoriated this situation, calling for wiser selection of park lands and a dedicated commissioner. Chase's comments had an impact, and two years later the Department of Conservation was created to manage the state's natural resources, including the state parks. Originally part of the forestry division, the state parks received their own division in 1935 to take advantage of federal programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).[4]: 82 [7] In 1971, the department became the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.[8]

The state parks were closed for almost three weeks in July 2011 due to a shutdown of the state government.

State parks and recreation areas

Park name County or Counties Size[9] Year Established[4] Water Body(s) Coordinates Remarks Image
acres ha
Afton State ParkWashington1,600 6501969St. Croix River44°51′45″N 92°47′01″W / 44.8624675°N 92.7835367°W / 44.8624675; -92.7835367 (Afton State Park)Lies on a glacial moraine with deep ravines that drop 300 feet (91 m) down to the St. Croix River.[10]
Banning State ParkPine5,597 2,2651963Kettle River46°10′15″N 92°50′39″W / 46.1707812°N 92.8440889°W / 46.1707812; -92.8440889 (Banning State Park)Contains 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of whitewater rapids and the remains of a historic quarry operation.[11]
Bear Head Lake State ParkSt. Louis3,013 1,2191961Bear Head Lake47°47′47″N 92°04′37″W / 47.7963051°N 92.0768231°W / 47.7963051; -92.0768231 (Bear Head Lake State Park)Provides road access and modern camping facilities in an environment similar to the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.[12]
Beaver Creek Valley State ParkHouston715 2891937East Beaver Creek43°38′34″N 91°34′55″W / 43.6427458°N 91.5818101°W / 43.6427458; -91.5818101 (Beaver Creek Valley State Park)Showcases the rugged topography of the Driftless Area in a narrow valley carved by a trout stream.[13]
Big Bog State Recreation AreaBeltrami9,170 3,7102000[9]Red Lake, Tamarac River48°10′22″N 94°30′43″W / 48.172761°N 94.512033°W / 48.172761; -94.512033 (Big Bog State Recreation Area)Encompasses part of the largest peatland in the Lower 48 states (a National Natural Landmark) and a prime walleye fishery.[14]
Big Stone Lake State ParkBig Stone980 4001961Big Stone Lake45°22′57″N 96°30′47″W / 45.3824644°N 96.5131148°W / 45.3824644; -96.5131148 (Big Stone Lake State Park)Protects two sections of shoreline on Big Stone Lake, the source of the Minnesota River.[15]
Blue Mounds State ParkRock1,567 6341937Mound Creek43°42′25″N 96°11′13″W / 43.7069134°N 96.1869728°W / 43.7069134; -96.1869728 (Blue Mounds State Park)Protects an escarpment of Sioux Quartzite and Minnesota's only public bison herd.[16] A district of WPA structures is on the NRHP.[17]
Buffalo River State ParkClay1,068 4321937Buffalo River46°51′56″N 96°28′04″W / 46.8655165°N 96.4678474°W / 46.8655165; -96.4678474 (Buffalo River State Park)Preserves part of one of the state's largest and best tallgrass prairies.[18] A district of WPA structures is on the NRHP.[19]
Camden State ParkLyon1,855 7511935Redwood River44°21′45″N 95°55′30″W / 44.362462°N 95.9250247°W / 44.362462; -95.9250247 (Camden State Park)Preserves a forested river valley in the midst of prairie and farm country.[20] A district of VCC and WPA structures is on the NRHP.[21]
Carley State ParkWabasha209 851949Whitewater River44°07′00″N 92°10′34″W / 44.1166318°N 92.1760002°W / 44.1166318; -92.1760002 (Carley State Park)Donated by State Senator James A. Carley to protect a stand of white pines. Used as an overflow campground for nearby Whitewater State Park.[22]
Cascade River State ParkCook2,867 1,1601957Lake Superior and Cascade River47°42′35″N 90°31′20″W / 47.7097222°N 90.5222222°W / 47.7097222; -90.5222222 (Cascade River State Park Recreation Site)Stretches along 10.5 miles (16.9 km) of Lake Superior coastline in land rehabilitated after construction of Minnesota State Highway 61.[23] A WPA highway wayside is on the NRHP.[6]
Charles A. Lindbergh State ParkMorrison417 1691931Mississippi River45°57′32″N 94°23′43″W / 45.9588545°N 94.3952813°W / 45.9588545; -94.3952813 (Charles A Lindbergh State Park)Contains the restored home of Congressman Charles August Lindbergh and his son Charles Lindbergh, the famous aviator.[24] The house is a National Historic Landmark, and a district of WPA structures is on the NRHP.[25]
Crow Wing State ParkCrow Wing, Cass, and Morrison2,335 9451959Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers46°16′20″N 94°20′00″W / 46.2722222°N 94.3333333°W / 46.2722222; -94.3333333 (Crow Wing State Park)Interprets the site of Old Crow Wing, an important town and trading center in the mid-19th century. The town site and a section of the Red River Trails are both on the NRHP.[6][26]
Cuyuna Country State Recreation AreaCrow Wing6,850 2,7701993Chain of small lakes and streams, filled pit mines46°29′22″N 93°58′39″W / 46.489550°N 93.977500°W / 46.489550; -93.977500 (Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area)In development as the land is rehabilitated from open-pit iron mining. Includes Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake, the state's deepest lake.[27]
Father Hennepin State ParkMille Lacs275 1111941Mille Lacs Lake46°08′41″N 93°29′17″W / 46.1446779°N 93.4880157°W / 46.1446779; -93.4880157 (Father Hennepin State Park)Provides lakeside recreation in the region visited by Father Louis Hennepin during a French expedition in 1680.[28]
Flandrau State ParkBrown840 3401937Cottonwood River44°17′18″N 94°28′25″W / 44.2882956°N 94.4735837°W / 44.2882956; -94.4735837 (Flandrau State Park)Created to provide water recreation near New Ulm.[29] Entire park is a district of CCC and WPA structures on the NRHP.[30]
Forestville/Mystery Cave State ParkFillmore3,163 1,2801963South Branch Root River and tributaries43°37′32″N 92°14′51″W / 43.6255204°N 92.247388°W / 43.6255204; -92.247388 (Forestville Mystery Cave State Park)Encompasses the historic townsite of Forestville, the state's longest explored cave, and three blue-ribbon trout streams.[31]
Fort Ridgely State ParkNicollet and Renville537 2171911Fort Ridgely Creek44°27′09″N 94°43′51″W / 44.4524621°N 94.7308199°W / 44.4524621; -94.7308199 (Fort Ridgely State Park)Surrounds Fort Ridgely, site of the Battle of Fort Ridgely during the Dakota War of 1862. The fort and a large district of CCC structures are both on the NRHP.[32][33]
Fort Snelling State ParkRamsey, Hennepin, and Dakota1,825 7391961Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers44°53′09″N 93°10′41″W / 44.8857988°N 93.1779985°W / 44.8857988; -93.1779985 (Fort Snelling State Park)Contains historic Fort Snelling, built in 1819, and floodplain forest in the heart of Minneapolis – Saint Paul. The fort is a National Historic Landmark and the entire park is part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.[34]
Franz Jevne State ParkKoochiching118 481967Rainy River48°38′32″N 94°04′49″W / 48.642240°N 94.080410°W / 48.642240; -94.080410 (Franz Jevne State Park)Features scenic property on the Canada–United States border, donated by the sons of Franz Jevne, a lawyer, on the condition that the park be named after their father.[35]
Frontenac State ParkGoodhue2,226 9011957Lake Pepin on Mississippi River44°30′27″N 92°19′35″W / 44.5074677°N 92.3262914°W / 44.5074677; -92.3262914 (Frontenac State Park)Attracts 260 species of year-round and migrant birds with its variety of habitats. Includes a natural arch atop a 430-foot (130 m) bluff.[36]
Garden Island State Recreation AreaLake of the Woods715 2891998[9]Lake of the Woods49°10′31″N 94°50′05″W / 49.175335°N 94.834671°W / 49.175335; -94.834671 (Garden Island State Recreation Area)Comprises a nearly undeveloped island, 15 mi (24 km) from the closest mainland marinas, that once bore Native American gardens.[37]
George H. Crosby Manitou State ParkLake6,200 2,5001955Manitou River47°30′22″N 91°06′33″W / 47.506018°N 91.109045°W / 47.506018; -91.109045 (George H Crosby Manitou State Park)Contains undeveloped North Woods wilderness geared towards backpackers.[38]
Glacial Lakes State ParkPope1,857 7521963Several kettle lakes45°32′15″N 95°31′19″W / 45.537461°N 95.521983°W / 45.537461; -95.521983 (Glacial Lakes State Park)Preserves rolling tallgrass prairie amidst the glacial landforms of the Leaf Hills Moraines.[39]
Glendalough State ParkOtter Tail1,924 7791991[9]Six kettle lakes46°20′00″N 95°40′00″W / 46.3333333°N 95.6666667°W / 46.3333333; -95.6666667 (Glendalough State Park)Developed from the former private retreat and game farm of the owners of the Star Tribune newspaper, with a heritage fishery of large game fish.[40]
Gooseberry Falls State ParkLake1,741 7051937Lake Superior, Gooseberry River47°08′49″N 91°27′48″W / 47.1468715°N 91.4632289°W / 47.1468715; -91.4632289 (Gooseberry Falls State Park)Serves as the gateway to the scenic North Shore. Features five waterfalls, an agate beach, and a large district of CCC structures on the NRHP.[41][42]
Grand Portage State ParkCook278 1131989Pigeon River48°00′37″N 89°36′43″W / 48.0101633°N 89.6120317°W / 48.0101633; -89.6120317 (Grand Portage State Park)Features a 120-foot (37 m) waterfall, Minnesota's tallest, on the Canada–United States border. Co-managed with the Grand Portage Indian Reservation, the only state – tribal collaboration of a U.S. state park.[43]
Great River Bluffs State ParkWinona2,122 8591963[44]Mississippi River43°56′47″N 91°23′58″W / 43.9463526°N 91.3993094°W / 43.9463526; -91.3993094 (Great River Bluffs State Park)Features 500-foot-high (150 m) bluffs and steep goat prairies. Formerly named O.L. Kipp State Park.[45]
Greenleaf Lake State Recreation AreaMeeker1,230 5002004Greenleaf and Sioux Lakes45°00′57″N 94°28′00″W / 45.01591°N 94.46671°W / 45.01591; -94.46671 (Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area)In development and open for limited day-use recreation.[46]
Hayes Lake State ParkRoseau2,118 8571967Hayes Lake, North Fork Roseau River48°37′24″N 95°30′28″W / 48.623309°N 95.507753°W / 48.623309; -95.507753 (Hayes Lake State Park)Provides fishing and swimming opportunities in an exclusively recreational reservoir free of agricultural runoff or water level fluctuations for irrigation or power generation.[4]: 250 
Hill-Annex Mine State ParkItasca634 2571988Filled pit mine47°19′39″N 93°16′39″W / 47.327490°N 93.277520°W / 47.327490; -93.277520 (Hill-Annex Mine State Park)Offers tours of a former open-pit iron mine and fossil collecting. A district of mine structures is on the NRHP.[47]
Interstate State ParkChisago288 1171895St. Croix River45°23′42″N 92°40′11″W / 45.3949622°N 92.6696521°W / 45.3949622; -92.6696521 (Interstate State Park)Created in conjunction with a state park in Wisconsin to protect a basalt gorge and glacial potholes.[48] Two districts of CCC and WPA structures are on the NRHP.[49]
Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation AreaSt. Louis1,864 7542002Lake Ore-be-gone47°28′57″N 92°26′37″W / 47.48247°N 92.44349°W / 47.48247; -92.44349 (Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area)Provides 36 miles (58 km) of trails for off highway vehicles.[50]
Itasca State ParkHubbard, Clearwater, and Becker30,553 12,3641891Lake Itasca47°11′51″N 95°12′07″W / 47.1974579°N 95.2019642°W / 47.1974579; -95.2019642 (Itasca State Park)Minnesota's oldest state park, which preserves the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The entire park and an individual archaeological site are on the NRHP, and a subsection is a National Natural Landmark.[51]
Jay Cooke State ParkCarlton8,125 3,2881915Saint Louis River46°38′59″N 92°19′51″W / 46.6496646°N 92.330748°W / 46.6496646; -92.330748 (Jay Cooke State Park)Showcases a rocky, whitewater-strewn river churning through the North Woods.[52] Three districts of CCC and WPA structures and a long-used portage route are on the NRHP.[53]
John A. Latsch State ParkWinona409 1661925Mississippi River44°09′43″N 91°49′20″W / 44.1619082°N 91.8220997°W / 44.1619082; -91.8220997 (John Latsch State Park)Features three steep river bluffs.[54]
Judge C. R. Magney State ParkCook4,323 1,7491957Lake Superior, Brule River47°51′05″N 90°03′30″W / 47.8512799°N 90.0584299°W / 47.8512799; -90.0584299 (Judge C R Magney State Park)Contains the Devil's Kettle, a large glacial kettle into which half of the Brule River disappears.[55],[56]
Kilen Woods State ParkJackson202 821945Des Moines River43°43′36″N 95°03′47″W / 43.7266244°N 95.0630473°W / 43.7266244; -95.0630473 (Kilen Woods State Park)Preserves a riverside parcel of forested hills on the Coteau des Prairies.[57]
La Salle Lake State Recreation AreaHubbard1,000 4002011Mississippi River, La Salle Lake47°20′14″N 95°10′14″W / 47.33719°N 95.17061°W / 47.33719; -95.17061 (La Salle Lake State Recreation Area)In development around the second-deepest lake in Minnesota.[58]
Lac qui Parle State ParkLac qui Parle and Chippewa897 3631959Lac qui Parle, Minnesota and Lac qui Parle Rivers45°01′14″N 95°53′20″W / 45.0205141°N 95.888921°W / 45.0205141; -95.888921 (Lac qui Parle State Park)Attracts thousands of migrating waterfowl, earning it the name "Lake that Speaks."[59] A district of WPA buildings is on the NRHP.[60]
Lake Bemidji State ParkBeltrami1,653 6691923Lake Bemidji47°32′11″N 94°49′22″W / 47.5363413°N 94.8227704°W / 47.5363413; -94.8227704 (Lake Bemidji State Park)Features a recreational lakeshore and a spruce-tamarack bog.[61] A district of CCC and National Youth Administration structures is on the NRHP.[62]
Lake Bronson State ParkKittson2,806 1,1361937Lake Bronson, South Branch Two Rivers48°43′29″N 96°36′12″W / 48.7247004°N 96.6033741°W / 48.7247004; -96.6033741 (Lake Bronson State Park)Features a reservoir created during a drought in the 1930s. A district of WPA structures is on the NRHP.[63]
Lake Carlos State ParkDouglas1,175 4761937Lake Carlos45°59′12″N 95°19′40″W / 45.9866293°N 95.3278143°W / 45.9866293; -95.3278143 (Lake Carlos State Park)Preserves diverse habitats from prairie to hardwood forest to tamarack bog in a transition zone.[64] Two districts of WPA structures are on the NRHP.[65]
Lake Louise State ParkMower849 3441963Lake Louise, Upper and Little Iowa Rivers43°32′01″N 92°31′32″W / 43.5335762°N 92.5254538°W / 43.5335762; -92.5254538 (Lake Louise State Park)Features a reservoir surrounded by oak savanna and patches of hardwood forest. Minnesota's oldest continuous recreation area, formerly a town park since the 1860s.[66]
Lake Maria State ParkWright1,475 5971963Several kettle lakes45°18′50″N 93°57′26″W / 45.3138543°N 93.9572003°W / 45.3138543; -93.9572003 (Lake Maria State Park)Provides a lightly developed wilderness area near Minneapolis – Saint Paul in a morainal landscape of Big Woods.[67]
Lake Shetek State ParkMurray County1,109 4491937Lake Shetek44°06′08″N 95°41′24″W / 44.1021838°N 95.6900114°W / 44.1021838; -95.6900114 (Lake Shetek State Park)Features remnants of pioneer history around the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota.[68] Two districts of WPA structures are on the NRHP.[69]
Lake Vermilion State ParkSt. Louis2,875 1,163[9]2010[9]Lake Vermilion47°50′05″N 92°11′53″W / 47.83471°N 92.19812°W / 47.83471; -92.19812 (Lake Vermilion State Park)Recently purchased and in development on the fifth-largest lake in Minnesota.[70]
Maplewood State ParkOtter Tail8,127 3,2891963Several kettle lakes46°32′01″N 95°56′57″W / 46.5335703°N 95.9492193°W / 46.5335703; -95.9492193 (Maplewood State Park)Preserves a forest/prairie transition zone in the Leaf Hills Moraines.[71] A Native American archaeological site is on the NRHP.
McCarthy Beach State ParkSt. Louis1,908 7721945Sturgeon and Side Lakes47°40′22″N 93°01′49″W / 47.6727068°N 93.0301834°W / 47.6727068; -93.0301834 (McCarthy Beach State Park)Features a .5-mile-long (0.80 km) beach on an isthmus between two lakes.[72]
Mille Lacs Kathio State ParkMille Lacs9,786 3,9601957Mille Lacs Lake, Rum River46°07′44″N 93°44′26″W / 46.1288485°N 93.7405269°W / 46.1288485; -93.7405269 (Mille Lacs Kathio State Park)Preserves 19 identified archaeological sites dating back 9000 years. The entire park is a National Historic Landmark and four sites are individually listed on the NRHP.[6][73]
Minneopa State ParkBlue Earth1,617 6541905Minnesota River, Minneopa Creek44°09′44″N 94°06′08″W / 44.1621879°N 94.1021803°W / 44.1621879; -94.1021803 (Minneopa State Park)Showcases the largest waterfall in southern Minnesota. The 1864 Seppman Mill and a district of WPA structures are each on the NRHP.[74]
Minnesota Valley State Recreation AreaHennepin, Dakota, Scott, Carver, Sibley, and Le Sueur6,442 2,6071969Minnesota River44°39′43″N 93°42′12″W / 44.661999°N 93.703337°W / 44.661999; -93.703337 (Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area)Comprises non-contiguous sections interspersed with units of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in the valley formed by Glacial River Warren.[75]
Monson Lake State ParkSwift343 1391937Monson and West Sunberg Lakes45°19′14″N 95°16′30″W / 45.3205175°N 95.2750235°W / 45.3205175; -95.2750235 (Monson Lake Memorial State Park)Established as a memorial to settlers who died in the Dakota War of 1862.[76] A district of CCC and WPA structures is on the NRHP.[77]
Moose Lake State ParkCarlton829 3351971Moosehead and Echo Lakes46°26′11″N 92°43′31″W / 46.436319°N 92.72521°W / 46.436319; -92.72521 (Moose Lake State Park)Provides water recreation and an exhibit hall on Lake Superior agates (the state gemstone) and the geology of Minnesota.[78]
Myre-Big Island State ParkFreeborn1,578 6391947Albert Lea Lake43°37′26″N 93°17′21″W / 43.6238465°N 93.2890959°W / 43.6238465; -93.2890959 (Myre-Big Island State Park)Features two islands with old growth hardwood forest since they were out of reach of prairie fires. Also houses one of the state's largest research collections of Native American artifacts.[79]
Nerstrand-Big Woods State ParkRice1,646 6661945Prairie Creek44°20′43″N 93°06′27″W / 44.3452425°N 93.1074337°W / 44.3452425; -93.1074337 (Nerstrand Big Woods State Park)Preserves a remnant stand of Big Woods.[80]
Old Mill State ParkMarshall287 1161951Middle River48°21′41″N 96°34′13″W / 48.361364°N 96.5703288°W / 48.361364; -96.5703288 (Old Mill State Park)Features two mills and a log cabin from the late 19th Century.[81] The Larson Mill and a district of WPA structures are each on the NRHP.[82]
Red River State Recreation AreaPolk104 421997Red River of the North and Red Lake River47°55′58″N 97°02′08″W / 47.9327778°N 97.0355556°W / 47.9327778; -97.0355556 (Red River State Recreation Area)Reclaims land devastated by the 1997 Red River flood as part of the Greater Grand Forks Greenway, which serves the dual purpose of holding back river waters during floods and providing recreational opportunities.[83]
Rice Lake State ParkSteele and Dodge712 2881963Rice Lake44°05′15″N 93°03′41″W / 44.0874639°N 93.061315°W / 44.0874639; -93.061315 (Rice Lake State Park)Surrounds a shallow lake which attracts migrating waterfowl.[84]
St. Croix Islands State Recreation AreaWashington25 101935St. Croix River45°05′07″N 92°47′10″W / 45.08524°N 92.78608°W / 45.08524; -92.78608 (St. Croix Islands State Recreation Area)Comprises five islands near the St. Croix Boom Site that came under state control but were never developed. Leased to the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway.[4]: 318 
St. Croix State ParkPine31,775 12,8591943St. Croix River45°58′27″N 92°35′01″W / 45.9741154°N 92.5835304°W / 45.9741154; -92.5835304 (Saint Croix State Park)Developed as a Recreational Demonstration Area by the CCC and the WPA to repurpose land too poor to farm. The entire park is a National Historic Landmark.[85]
Sakatah Lake State ParkLe Sueur and Rice810 3301963Sakatah Lake on the Cannon River44°13′16″N 93°32′09″W / 44.2210746°N 93.5357792°W / 44.2210746; -93.5357792 (Sakatah State Park)Features a transitional zone between prairie and Big Woods on a natural widening of the Cannon River.[86]
Savanna Portage State ParkAitkin and St. Louis15,277 6,1821961East and West Savanna Rivers, numerous kettle lakes46°50′15″N 93°09′24″W / 46.8374455°N 93.1566054°W / 46.8374455; -93.1566054 (Savanna Portage State Park)Preserves a historically important and legendarily difficult 6-mile (9.7 km) portage over a continental divide between the watersheds of the Mississippi River and Lake Superior.[87] The portage is on the NRHP.[6]
Scenic State ParkItasca2,370 9601921Sandwick and Coon Lakes47°42′57″N 93°33′47″W / 47.7157733°N 93.5629701°W / 47.7157733; -93.5629701 (Scenic State Park)Features pristine lakes and old-growth pines. Two districts of structures built by the first CCC state park camp in Minnesota are on the NRHP.[88]
Schoolcraft State ParkCass and Itasca141 571959Mississippi River47°13′30″N 93°48′00″W / 47.2249502°N 93.7999449°W / 47.2249502; -93.7999449 (Schoolcraft State Park)Honors Henry Schoolcraft, who charted the origins of the Mississippi River with the Ojibwe guide Ozawindib. Preserves virgin pine forest that includes a white pine over 300 years old.[89]
Sibley State ParkKandiyohi2,540 1,0301919Lake Andrew and other kettle lakes45°19′11″N 95°01′23″W / 45.3196867°N 95.0230696°W / 45.3196867; -95.0230696 (Sibley State Park)Honors Henry Hastings Sibley, the first governor of Minnesota, with a popular recreational lakeshore and a morainal landscape.[90] A district of CCC structures is on the NRHP.[91]
Soudan Underground Mine State ParkSt. Louis974 3941963Lake Vermilion47°49′29″N 92°15′23″W / 47.8246403°N 92.2562691°W / 47.8246403; -92.2562691 (Soudan Underground Mine State Park)Offers tours of Minnesota's oldest, deepest, and richest iron mine and a modern high energy physics laboratory. The mine is a National Historic Landmark[92] and a row of 20th Century boathouses is on the NRHP.
Split Rock Creek State ParkPipestone947 3831937Split Rock Lake43°53′53″N 96°21′51″W / 43.8980264°N 96.3642032°W / 43.8980264; -96.3642032 (Split Rock Creek State Park)Features a recreational reservoir on the Coteau des Prairies.[93]
Split Rock Lighthouse State ParkLake2,112 8551945Lake Superior, Split Rock River47°11′32″N 91°23′35″W / 47.1921472°N 91.3929484°W / 47.1921472; -91.3929484 (Split Rock Lighthouse State Park)Surrounds the clifftop Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States.[94] The lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark.
Temperance River State ParkCook1,134 4591957Lake Superior, Temperance and Cross Rivers47°33′16″N 90°52′21″W / 47.5543466°N 90.8723722°W / 47.5543466; -90.8723722 (Temperance River State Park)Showcases the deep, narrow gorge of the Temperance River (so named for its lack of a "bar" at its mouth) and Carlton Peak, a rock climbing area.[95]
Tettegouche State ParkLake8,998 3,6411979Lake Superior and Baptism River47°21′32″N 91°15′51″W / 47.358806°N 91.2640506°W / 47.358806; -91.2640506 (Tettegouche State Park)Encompasses the tallest waterfall within the state's borders, the iconic headlands of Palisade Head and Shovel Point, and a historic fishing camp which is on the NRHP.[96]
Upper Sioux Agency State ParkYellow Medicine1,065 4311963Minnesota and Yellow Medicine Rivers44°44′17″N 95°27′14″W / 44.7380132°N 95.4539039°W / 44.7380132; -95.4539039 (Upper Sioux Agency State Park)Interprets the site of the agency that administered a Dakota Indian reservation until it was destroyed during the Dakota War of 1862.[97] The agency is on the NRHP.[6]
Whitewater State ParkWinona1,672 6771919Whitewater River44°03′30″N 92°03′32″W / 44.058297°N 92.0587726°W / 44.058297; -92.0587726 (Whitewater State Park)Showcases a popular steep-sided river valley in the Driftless Area.[98] A large district of CCC and WPA structures is on the NRHP.[99]
Wild River State ParkChisago6,574 2,6601973St. Croix River45°34′05″N 92°52′33″W / 45.5680159°N 92.8757696°W / 45.5680159; -92.8757696 (Wild River State Park)Follows 18 miles (29 km) of one of the first waterways designated a National Wild and Scenic River.[100] A section of the Point Douglas to Superior Military Road is on the NRHP.[101]
William O'Brien State ParkWashington1,783 7221947St. Croix River45°13′10″N 92°45′58″W / 45.2194109°N 92.7660423°W / 45.2194109; -92.7660423 (William O'Brien State Park)Provides outdoor recreation opportunities near Minneapolis – Saint Paul.[102]
Zippel Bay State ParkLake of the Woods2,826 1,1441959Lake of the Woods48°51′50″N 94°51′34″W / 48.8638742°N 94.8593862°W / 48.8638742; -94.8593862 (Zippel Bay State Park)Provides water recreation and birdwatching opportunities on the shore of the country's sixth largest lake.[103]

State waysides

The state park system includes nine waysides, most of them along Minnesota State Highway 61 on the North Shore.[104] These are parcels of land too small to be full-fledged parks, but with cultural or natural resources greater than would be overseen by the Minnesota Department of Transportation as highway waysides. Generally development is limited to a parking area and a short trail; sometimes there are sanitation facilities and picnic tables as well.[4]

Wayside name County Date established[4]: 299  Coordinates Remarks[105] Image
Caribou Falls State Wayside Lake 1947 47°27′52″N 91°01′51″W / 47.46452°N 91.03084°W / 47.46452; -91.03084 (Caribou Falls State Wayside) Includes a waterfall on the Caribou River. Formerly Caribou Falls State Park.[4]: 166 
Devils Track Falls State Wayside Cook 1961 47°46′41″N 90°16′58″W / 47.77804°N 90.28273°W / 47.77804; -90.28273 (Devils Track Falls State Wayside) A nearly inaccessible gorge on the Devil Track River within Superior National Forest. Formerly Devils Track Falls State Park.[4]: 209 
Flood Bay State Wayside Lake 1965 47°02′19″N 91°38′33″W / 47.03850°N 91.64254°W / 47.03850; -91.64254 (Flood Bay State Wayside) A rocky Lake Superior beach just outside Two Harbors.[4]: 248 
Inspiration Peak State Wayside Otter Tail 1931 46°08′14″N 95°34′41″W / 46.13714°N 95.57809°W / 46.13714; -95.57809 (Inspiration Peak State Wayside) The highest point of the Leaf Hills Moraines.[4]: 95 
Joseph R. Brown State Wayside Renville 1937 44°45′01″N 95°19′28″W / 44.750328°N 95.324425°W / 44.750328; -95.324425 (Joseph R. Brown State Wayside) The ruins of Joseph R. Brown's three-story mansion, destroyed during the Dakota War of 1862.[4]: 134  The ruins are on the NRHP.[6]
Kadunce River State Wayside Cook 1947 47°47′38″N 90°09′15″W / 47.79393°N 90.15414°W / 47.79393; -90.15414 (Kadunce River State Wayside) Lake Superior shoreline around the mouth of the variably spelled Kadunce River. Formerly Kodonce River State Park.[4]: 166 
Ray Berglund State Wayside Cook 1951 47°36′32″N 90°46′10″W / 47.60894°N 90.76943°W / 47.60894; -90.76943 (Ray Berglund State Wayside) A memorial at the mouth of the Onion River to a St. Paul businessman and conservationist, on land donated by his friends.[4]: 173 
St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside Washington 2016 45°05′02″N 92°47′14″W / 45.08386°N 92.78731°W / 45.08386; -92.78731 (St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside) Commemorates the site of a log boom where timber was sorted. Became a state wayside in 2016 following a facelift of facilities formerly owned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.[106]
Sam Brown Memorial State Wayside Traverse 1929 45°35′46″N 96°50′29″W / 45.59616°N 96.84141°W / 45.59616; -96.84141 (Sam Brown State Wayside) Created to honor Joseph R. Brown's son Samuel J. Brown, "the Paul Revere of the West," who rode 120 miles (190 km) through a storm on April 19, 1866, to warn of an expected Dakota attack. Formerly Sam Brown State Park.[4]: 88 

State trails

Trail name Trailheads[9] Length in miles[9] Length in kilometers[9] Surface Remarks
Arrowhead State TrailTower – International Falls135 217UnpavedServes primarily as a winter snowmobile route, branching off the Taconite State Trail.[107]
Blazing Star State TrailAlbert Lea – Myre-Big Island State Park6 9.7PavedPlanned to continue to Austin and connect with the Shooting Star State Trail.[108]
Blufflands State Trail: Harmony-Preston Valley SegmentHarmony – Preston18 29PavedClimbs out of the Root River Valley.[109]
Blufflands State Trail: Root River SegmentFountain – Houston42 68PavedExtends along the Root River.[110]
Casey Jones State TrailPipestone – Murray County,
Lake Shetek State Park – Currie		19 31Partly pavedInvokes legendary train engineer Casey Jones in three unconnected segments that reflect railroad and pioneer history.[111]
Central Lakes State TrailOsakis – Fergus Falls55 89PavedSkirts a series of glacially formed lakes in Central Minnesota and connects to the Lake Wobegon Trails.[112]
Cuyuna Lakes State TrailCuyuna Country State Recreation Area6 9.7PavedWends through a regenerating open-pit mining area and connects with several mountain biking trails.[113]
Douglas State TrailPine Island – Rochester13 21Parallel paved and unpavedStretches through the rural scenery of a rich agricultural region.[114]
Gateway State TrailSt. Paul – Pine Point Regional Park18 29Paved with 10 miles (16 km) of parallel unpavedExtends from an urban setting to a rural park near Stillwater.[115]
Gitchi-Gami State TrailGooseberry Falls State Park – Beaver Bay,
Schroeder – Tofte		25 40PavedRuns along the shore of Lake Superior in multiple unconnected segments. Planned to run continuously from Two Harbors to Grand Marais.[116]
Glacial Lakes State TrailHawick – Willmar22 35Parallel paved and unpavedTraverses gently rolling glacial landforms.[117]
Goodhue Pioneer State TrailRed Wing – Hay Creek Township,
Zumbrota		10 16Paved with some parallel unpavedExists in two sections, but planned to run from Red Wing to Pine Island.[118]
Great River Ridge State TrailPlainview – Eyota13 21Paved with some parallel unpavedWends past the river bluffs of the Driftless Area.[119]
Heartland State TrailPark Rapids – Cass Lake49 79Paved with some parallel unpavedPasses through mixed northern forests, intersecting with the Paul Bunyan State Trail.[120]
Luce Line State TrailPlymouth – Cosmos63 101Partly paved with some parallel unpaved[121]Stretches from the Minneapolis suburbs out to a rural landscape.[122]
Mill Towns State TrailNorthfield – Dundas3 4.8PavedPlanned to connect the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail in Faribault to the Cannon Valley Trail in Cannon Falls[123]
Minnesota Valley State TrailShakopee – Belle Plaine42 68Mostly unpavedFollows the Minnesota River.[124]
North Shore State TrailDuluth – Grand Marais146 235UnpavedTraverses the inland backcountry of the North Shore, primarily as a winter snowmobile route.[125]
Paul Bunyan State TrailBrainerd – Lake Bemidji State Park112 180PavedComprises one of the country's longest continuously paved trails, with a planned extension to Crow Wing State Park. Intersects with the Heartland State Trail.[126]
Sakatah Singing Hills State TrailFaribault – Mankato39 63Paved with some parallel unpavedFollows the Cannon River and passes through Sakatah Lake State Park.[127]
Shooting Star State TrailLeRoy – Adams14 23PavedCrosses open country and passes through Lake Louise State Park.[128]
Taconite State TrailGrand Rapids – Ely155 249Mostly unpavedServes primarily as a winter snowmobile route, intersecting with the Arrowhead State Trail.[129]
Willard Munger State TrailHinckley – Duluth,
Wrenshall – Carlton,
Chengwatana State Forest – Holyoke		76 122PavedHonors state legislator and trail advocate Willard Munger with a trail system of three segments.[130]

Future trails

Since Minnesota state parks and trails are authorized by the state legislature, some trails have been established in state statute, yet no usable mileage has been constructed.[131]

Trail name South/West terminus North/East terminus Remarks
Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail Little Falls Crow Wing State Park A segment is planned to split to the west of Camp Ripley and serve Pillager. Planned to connect the Soo Line Off-Highway Vehicle Trail with the Paul Bunyan State Trail.
Des Moines River Valley State Trail Iowa border in Jackson County Casey Jones State Trail in Murray County Planned to connect with the Iowa Great Lakes regional trail in Mini-Wakan State Park. Also planned to go through Kilen Woods State Park.
Minnesota River State Trail Big Stone Lake State Park Le Sueur Planned to connect with the Minnesota Valley State Trail in Le Sueur.
Mississippi Blufflands State Trail Lake City Red Wing To connect with the Cannon Valley Trail and the Rattlesnake Bluff Trail.
Prairie Wildflower State Trail Austin Faribault To follow an abandoned railroad grade.
Stagecoach State Trail Owatonna Rochester To pass through Rice Lake State Park on the historic Stagecoach Trail.
Superior Vista State Trail Duluth Two Harbors To follow the Lake Superior shoreline via abandoned railroad grades.

Former parks

Several units added to the Minnesota state park system over the years have since been redesignated or transferred to other agencies, including the system's very first unit, Camp Release State Memorial Wayside, created in 1889. In most cases these decisions were due to the unit being too small for a state park with little chance of expansion, or largely local use rather than attracting visitors from all over the state and beyond.[4] Four of these units were redesignated as state waysides and are listed above.[4][105] The other former units were:

Former name Date
established		 Date
redesignated		 Result Image
Alexander Ramsey State Park[4]: 43 [132] 1911 1957 Transferred to Redwood Falls as a city park.
Birch Cooley Battle Field State Memorial Park[4]: 15  1929 1976 Transferred to Minnesota Historical Society.
Camp Release State Memorial Wayside[4]: 337  1889 1975 Redesignated Camp Release State Monument.
Chippewa Mission State Memorial Wayside[4]: 94  1931 1973 Transferred to Minnesota Historical Society.
Horace Austin State Park[4]: 44 [133] 1913 1949 Transferred to Austin as a city park.
Garvin Heights State Park[4]: 76  1922 1961 Transferred to Winona as a city park.
Kaplan Woods State Park[4]: 98 [134] 1935 1963 Part demolished to build a highway, remainder transferred to Owatonna as a city park.
Little Elbow Lake State Park[4]: 230  1963 1989 Transferred to White Earth Indian Reservation.
Old Crossing Treaty Historic Wayside[4]: 96  1931 1987 Parts transferred to Red Lake County and University of Minnesota Crookston, remainder added to Huot Wildlife Management Area.
Oronoco Park (later Oronoco State Scenic Reserve)[4]: 130 [135] 1937 1965 Transferred to Olmsted County.
Pine Tree State Park[4]: 165  1947 1965 Transferred to Blackduck as a city park.
Pomme de Terre Recreational Reserve[4]: 122  1937 1965 Transferred to Morris as a city park.
Sleepy Eye State Park[4]: 70  1921 1965 Transferred to Sleepy Eye as a city park.
Toqua Lakes State Park[4]: 51  1921 1965 Transferred to Big Stone County as a county park.
Traverse des Sioux State Park[4]: 29  1905 1981 Transferred to Minnesota Historical Society and city of St. Peter.
Watson State Wayside[4]: 136  1941 1959 Transferred to Watson as a city park.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Welcome to Minnesota State Parks". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2007. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  2. ↑ "Proposed Lake Vermilion State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2007. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  3. ↑ "Itasca State Park National Register Listing". Minnesota Historical Society (May 1992 Update). May 1973. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Meyer, Roy Willard (1991). Everyone's Country Estate: A History of Minnesota's State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society Press. ISBN 0-87351-266-9.
  5. ↑ "Minnesota Traveler" (PDF). Minnesota State Parks Newsletter. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Summer 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 30, 2007. Retrieved September 22, 2007., p. 16.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Minnesota's National Register Properties". Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved October 31, 2012.
  7. ↑ Remington, Harry (March 10, 1935). "CCC Program Spurs Work in State Forest Parks". Star Tribune. p. 28. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
  8. ↑ "Minnesota's Submerged Cultural Resources Preservation Plan". Minnesota Historical Society. June 1997. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Guide to Minnesota State Parks and Trails 2011, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2011
  10. ↑ "Afton State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  11. ↑ "Banning State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  12. ↑ "Bear Head Lake State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  13. ↑ "Beaver Creek Valley State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  14. ↑ "Big Bog State Recreation Area". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  15. ↑ "Big Stone Lake State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  16. ↑ "Blue Mounds State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  17. ↑ "Blue Mounds State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  18. ↑ "Buffalo River State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  19. ↑ "Buffalo River State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  20. ↑ "Camden State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  21. ↑ "Camden State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  22. ↑ "Carley State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  23. ↑ "Cascade River State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  24. ↑ "Charles A. Lindbergh State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  25. ↑ "Charles A. Lindbergh State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  26. ↑ "Crow Wing State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  27. ↑ "Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  28. ↑ "Father Hennepin State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  29. ↑ "Afton State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  30. ↑ "Flandrau State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  31. ↑ "Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  32. ↑ "Fort Ridgely State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  33. ↑ "Fort Ridgely State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  34. ↑ "Fort Snelling State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  35. ↑ "Franz Jevne State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  36. ↑ "Frontenac State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  37. ↑ "Garden Island State Recreation Area". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  38. ↑ "George H. Crosby Manitou State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  39. ↑ "Glacial Lakes State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  40. ↑ "Glendalough State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  41. ↑ "Gooseberry Falls State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  42. ↑ "Gooseberry Falls State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  43. ↑ "Grand Portage State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  44. ↑ "State parks".
  45. ↑ "Great River Bluffs State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  46. ↑ "Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  47. ↑ "Hill-Annex Mine State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  48. ↑ "Interstate State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  49. ↑ "Interstate State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  50. ↑ "Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  51. ↑ "Itasca State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  52. ↑ "Jay Cooke State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  53. ↑ "Jay Cooke State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  54. ↑ "John A. Latsch State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  55. ↑ "Judge C. R. Magney State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  56. ↑ Zeppelin, Cheri (March–April 2017). "Scientists Solve Geological Puzzle". Minnesota Conservation Volunteer. Retrieved September 7, 2017.
  57. ↑ "Kilen Woods State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  58. ↑ "La Salle Lake State Recreation Area". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved November 14, 2011.
  59. ↑ "Lac qui Parle State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  60. ↑ "Lac qui Parle State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  61. ↑ "Lake Bemidji State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  62. ↑ "Lake Bemidji State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  63. ↑ "Lake Bronson State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  64. ↑ "Lake Carlos State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  65. ↑ "Lake Carlos State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  66. ↑ "Lake Louise State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  67. ↑ "Lake Maria State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  68. ↑ "Lake Shetek State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  69. ↑ "Lake Shetek State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  70. ↑ "Lake Vermilion State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  71. ↑ "Maplewood State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  72. ↑ "McCarthy Beach State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  73. ↑ "Mille Lacs Kathio State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  74. ↑ "Minneopa State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  75. ↑ "Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  76. ↑ "Monson Lake State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  77. ↑ "Monson Lake State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  78. ↑ "Moose Lake State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  79. ↑ "Myre-Big Island State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  80. ↑ "Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  81. ↑ "Old Mill State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  82. ↑ "Old Mill State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  83. ↑ "Red River State Recreation Area". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  84. ↑ "Rice Lake State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  85. ↑ "St. Croix State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  86. ↑ "Sakatah Lake State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  87. ↑ "Savanna Portage State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  88. ↑ "Scenic State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. 2001. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  89. ↑ "Schoolcraft State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  90. ↑ "Sibley State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  91. ↑ "Sibley State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  92. ↑ "Soudan Underground Mine State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  93. ↑ "Split Rock Creek State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  94. ↑ "Split Rock Lighthouse State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  95. ↑ "Temperance River State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  96. ↑ "Tettegouche State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  97. ↑ "Upper Sioux Agency State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  98. ↑ "Whitewater State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  99. ↑ "Whitewater State Park". Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  100. ↑ "Wild River State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  101. ↑ "Wild River State Park Management Plan" (PDF). Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. February 2007. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  102. ↑ "William O'Brien State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  103. ↑ "Zippel Bay State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  104. ↑ "State Park Waysides: Minnesota DNR". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  105. 1 2 Minnesota Statute § 85.013, Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
  106. ↑ Devine, Mary (June 30, 2016). "Scenic St. Croix River park reopening after 2-month takeover". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  107. ↑ "Arrowhead State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  108. ↑ "Blazing Star State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  109. ↑ "Harmony-Preston Valley Segment". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  110. ↑ "Root River Segment". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  111. ↑ "Casey Jones State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  112. ↑ "Central Lakes State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  113. ↑ "Cuyuna Lakes State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  114. ↑ "Douglas State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  115. ↑ "Gateway State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  116. ↑ "Gitchi-Gami State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  117. ↑ "Glacial Lakes State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  118. ↑ "Goodhue Pioneer State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  119. ↑ "Great River Ridge State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  120. ↑ "Heartland State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  121. ↑ Steve Brandt (October 9, 2015). "Section by section, Luce Line Trail dream realized". Star Tribune. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  122. ↑ "Luce Line State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  123. ↑ Brad Phenow. "DNR continues to negotiate land purchase for Mill Towns Trail in Rice County". Faribault Daily News. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  124. ↑ "Minnesota Valley State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  125. ↑ "North Shore State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  126. ↑ "Paul Bunyan State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  127. ↑ "Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  128. ↑ "Shooting Star State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  129. ↑ "Taconite State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  130. ↑ "Willard Munger State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  131. ↑ "Statute 85.015". Minnesota Legislature. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  132. ↑ "1957 Minn. Laws ch. 230". 2006 Minnesota Statutes sec. 810. Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  133. ↑ "1949 Minn. Laws ch. 425, sec. 1; 1959 Minn. Laws ch. 4, secs. 1,2". 2006 Minnesota Statutes sec. 812. Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  134. ↑ "Kaplan Woods Parkway". Parks & Recreation. City of Owatonna. Archived from the original on September 16, 2007. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  135. ↑ "1965 Minn. Laws ch. 810, sec. 9". 2006 Minnesota Statutes sec. 816. Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Retrieved September 22, 2007.

Further reading

  • Arthur, Anne. Minnesota's State Parks. Adventure Publications, 1998. ISBN 1-885061-51-X
  • Meyer, Roy Willard. Everyone's Country Estate: A History of Minnesota's State Parks. Minnesota Historical Society Press, 1991. ISBN 0-87351-266-9
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