state route ranger badge
Minnesota
52

Minnesota State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Minnesota
Heartland Region
Find A Park
start slideshow
Itasca State Park © bobby hissam
Grand Portage State Forest High Falls © Joseph Valerius
Minnesotas highest falls at 120 feet.
Itasca State Park © bobby hissam
Tettegouche State Park © Bev Frankenberg
Common Loon © stateparks.com
Oh Yell © stateparks.com
Campfire and Hotdogs © stateparks.com
Roasting hot dogs over an open fire.
Afternoon Hike © stateparks.com
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
Cool Swim © stateparks.com
Small Boy Fishing © stateparks.com
Gone fishin.
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
indicates parks that show reservation availability
Minnesota's Heartland Region Parks

13
State Parks
5
State Wildlife Management Areas
4
National Wildlife Refuges
24
State Forests
Parks in this region are near these Minnesota Cities (click city name to see parks within 25 miles)
MOORHEAD
ELK RIVER
SAINT CLOUD
BEMIDJI
BRAINERD
ALEXANDRIA
FERGUS FALLS
BIG LAKE
SARTELL
PRINCETON
DETROIT LAKES
SAUK RAPIDS
ZIMMERMAN
Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge
Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge is located in northwest Minnesota. Packs of wolves, moose, waterfowl, and 280 species of birds make this refuge a wildlife wonderland. The refuge, originally named Mud Lake Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, was established in 1937 primarily for waterfowl production and ........more >
Badoura State Forest
Badoura State Forest in Minnesota is a serene and diverse natural haven, encompassing an impressive 206,000 acres of picturesque landscapes. Its dense forests offer a breathtaking tapestry of towering pines, vibrant hardwoods, and fragrant wildflowers, providing a haven for a myriad of wildlife species. ........more >
Battleground State Forest
Battleground State Forest, located in Minnesota, is a natural oasis that captivates visitors with its pristine beauty and diverse ecosystem. Spanning over a vast area, it encompasses dense forests, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes, offering a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. ........more >
Beltrami Island State Forest
Beltrami Island State Forest, encompassing over 700,000 acres in northwest Minnesota, showcases the raw beauty of the Northwoods. The forest boasts an array of diverse habitats, including aspen, birch, and pine forests, vast wetlands, and sprawling peatlands. Its undulating landscape is intersected ........more >
Birch Lake State Forest
Birch Lake State Forest in Minnesota is a picturesque expanse of natural beauty, encompassing over 48,000 acres of forested land. Located in the heart of the state, this serene forest offers a diverse array of recreational activities, from hiking and biking on the well-maintained trails, to fishing ........more >
Blackduck State Forest
Located in the northern part of Minnesota, the Blackduck State Forest is a pristine wilderness area spread across thousands of acres, known for its abundant natural beauty. This enchanting forest is characterized by a diverse range of ecosystems, including lush forests of majestic pines, sprawling wetlands, ........more >
Boekholt Grove State Wildlife Management Area
........more >
Bowstring State Forest
The Bowstring State Forest is a scenic woodland located in northern Minnesota that spans over 77,000 acres. This forest is characterized by its pristine lakes, rolling hills, and diverse mix of trees, including towering pines, birch, and maple. The area offers numerous recreational opportunities such ........more >
Buena Vista State Forest
Buena Vista State Forest, located in northern Minnesota, is a pristine and diverse natural sanctuary that spans over 6600 acres. With its towering old-growth pine trees, scenic water bodies, and abundant wildlife, this forest offers a serene escape into nature. Visitors can explore the numerous hiking ........more >
Buffalo River State Park
Prairie lovers, this park is for you. Trails wind through one of Minnesota's finest and largest remnant prairies. Listen for bobolinks, prairie chickens, marbled godwits and upland sandpipers. A picnic area, swimming area and campground are located in the hardwood forest along the Buffalo River. The ........more >
Charles A Lindbergh State Park
Located on the Mississippi River, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park offers visitors a quaint picnic area. The picnic area includes a historic Work Projects Administration WPA picnic shelter and a stone water tower. Fish the waters of the Mississippi River, canoe Pike Creek, or walk the trails amid grand ........more >
Cooks State Wildlife Management Area
........more >
Coon Lake State Wildlife Management Area
........more >
Crow Wing State Forest
This is a nature lover's delight. Explore prairie, pine, and hardwood forests. View the Mississippi River from historic and picturesque Chippewa Lookout. Novice canoeists can paddle the calm waters of the Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers. Crow Wing is a park rich in cultural history. In this area, a ........more >
Emily State Forest
The Emily State Forest, located in the heart of Minnesota, is a mesmerizing natural escape boasting an exquisite blend of dense woodlands, sparkling lakes, and rolling hills. Spanning over thousands of acres, this enchanting forest provides a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, such as deer, foxes, and ........more >
Father Hennepin State Park
........more >
Foot Hills State Forest
The Foot Hills State Forest in Minnesota is a serene and picturesque natural sanctuary, offering a stunning blend of rolling hills, dense forests, and clear lakes. With its vast expanse of over 22,000 acres, the forest provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to indulge in a multitude of ........more >
Glacial Lakes State Park
Stand on top of the scenic glacial hills and experience the vast, open prairie which once dominated Minnesota. Wildflowers and prairie grasses blanket the landscape from spring through fall. Swim, fish or boat electric motors only in the fresh, clear waters of 56-acre Mountain Lake. A shady, spacious ........more >
Hayes Lake State Park
Some days it's just you, loons, and moose, while you traverse around Hayes Lake. Fed by the north fork of the Roseau River, the lake supports crappie, sunfish, and northerns. Birdwatchers have spotted over 200 species in or near the park. The summer is perfect to look for orchids, gentians, and blueberries ........more >
Huntersville State Forest
Huntersville State Forest, located in Minnesota, is a heaving expanse of natural beauty where moss-covered trees tower overhead and delicate wildflowers dot the forest floor. The forest enchants visitors with its tranquil atmosphere, offering countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore ........more >
Itasca State Park
Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Stand under towering pines at Preacher's Grove. Visit the ........more >
Lake Bemidji State Park
This park is the perfect playground any time of year, offering visitors swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, camping, biking, picnicking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and year-around naturalist-led activities. Hikers can explore the beauty of a tamarack bog carpeted with showy lady's ........more >
Lake Bronson State Park
From the observation tower in the park, view the prairie and aspen-oak forests or watch for deer, sharp-tailed grouse, moose and sandhill cranes. The South Branch of the Two Rivers fills Lake Bronson. The lake, which is actually a reservoir, offers visitors swimming, fishing, boating, great camping, ........more >
Lake Carlos State Park
Sculpted by ancient glaciers, Lake Carlos State Park contains a tamarack bog, marshes, woodland ponds, and lakes. A variety of recreational activities revolve around the lake. Clear and deep, Lake Carlos offers visitors a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, boating, camping, hiking and horseback ........more >
Land O'Lakes State Forest
The Land O'Lakes State Forest in Minnesota is a vast and diverse woodland encompassing over 118,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty. From dense pine forests to tranquil lakes, this state forest offers a stunning landscape for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With a network of trails ........more >
Little Elk State Wildlife Management Area
........more >
Lyons State Forest
Lyons State Forest, located in northern Minnesota, is a breathtaking woodland expanse characterized by its tranquil nature and diverse ecology. This vast forest is blessed with towering coniferous trees like white pines and red cedars, interspersed with beautiful patches of hardwoods. As one meanders ........more >
Maplewood State Park
The maple forest turns brilliant shades of orange, gold, and red in the fall. Eight major lakes and many ponds offer water lovers places to swim, fish, boat, and simply relax. Lake Lida has a sandy beach and large picnic areas for visitors. Drive along the scenic route to observe the wildlife the park ........more >
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park has so much to offer and discover. Its 9000 years of human history and archaeological significance has made it a National Historic Landmark. You can learn about its rich history and all of Kathio's other treasures at the Visitor Center located next to the picnic grounds. Kathio's ........more >
Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge
Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1915 and is known as the smallest refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The refuge is comprised of two small islands 0.57 acres total over a mile from shore on Lake Mille Lacs in north-central Minnesota. The islands are boulder and gravel ........more >
Mississippi Headwaters State Forest
The Mississippi Headwaters State Forest in Minnesota encompasses a stunning landscape where the mighty Mississippi River begins its journey. This vast forest is characterized by its abundance of towering pine and hardwood trees, tranquil lakes, and winding rivers. It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts ........more >
Northwest Angle State Forest
The Northwest Angle State Forest in Minnesota is a breathtaking natural sanctuary that encompasses over 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Nestled at the northernmost point of the contiguous United States, this forest captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty and incredible biodiversity. With ........more >
Old Mill State Park
A log cabin and a steam-powered flour mill at Old Mill State Park are bold landmarks from the past. The grist mill still gets fired up once a year to grind flour. The Middle River meanders through the park and visitors can see deer, beaver, and moose. Enjoy the prairie and the ever-changing parade of ........more >
Paul Bunyan State Forest
The Paul Bunyan State Forest, located in northern Minnesota, is a vast and diverse woodland encompassing over 430,000 acres. Known for its rugged beauty and rich natural resources, the forest showcases a picturesque landscape of towering pines, shimmering lakes, and meandering rivers. It offers a variety ........more >
Pillsbury State Forest
Pillsbury State Forest, located in central Minnesota, is a serene and picturesque natural haven that embodies the beauty of this region. Stretching across rolling hills, scenic lakes, and dense forests, the forest offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and biking trails wind through ........more >
Red Lake State Forest
The Red Lake State Forest in Minnesota is a picturesque and diverse natural area that offers an enchanting experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled amidst rolling hills, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes, it provides a tranquil haven for recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, ........more >
Remer State Forest
The Remer State Forest, located in northern Minnesota, is a pristine natural area known for its expansive wilderness and diverse ecosystems. It encompasses a vast expanse of forested land, with towering pine trees and dense undergrowth, providing a habitat for numerous species of wildlife. The forest ........more >
Rum River State Forest
The Rum River State Forest in Minnesota is a tranquil and picturesque landscape, spanning over 4,000 acres of lush forested land. Nestled along the banks of the scenic Rum River, the state forest offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts. With its beautiful trails, ........more >
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is located in the St. Francis River Valley, which is known as one of the finest wildlife areas in the state. The wildlife value of the valley was severely reduced in the early 1900s, when the area was drained for agriculture. Congress established this 30,600-acre ........more >
Smoky Hills State Forest
The Smoky Hills State Forest in Minnesota is a breathtaking natural haven that boasts a diverse landscape of rolling hills and verdant forests. Its picturesque trails wind through dense woodlands, offering hikers and nature enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the outdoors. ........more >
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge covers 42,724 acres and lies in the glacial lake country of northwestern Minnesota in Becker County, 18 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes. It was established in 1938 as a refuge breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Refuge topography consists of rolling ........more >
Teiken-Dalve State Wildlife Management Area
........more >
Two Inlets State Forest
Two Inlets State Forest, located in northern Minnesota, is a serene woodland oasis known for its pristine natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities. Encompassing vast stretches of pine and hardwood forests, the forest is dotted with crystal-clear lakes, sparkling rivers, and lush wetlands, ........more >
Welsh Lake State Forest
Welsh Lake State Forest is a picturesque and tranquil forested area located in the northern part of Minnesota. This state forest spans over thousands of acres, featuring dense and diverse woodlands, pristine lakes, and charming meadows. With its rolling hills and abundant wildlife, it provides endless ........more >
White Earth State Forest
The White Earth State Forest, located in northwestern Minnesota, is a scenic expanse of natural beauty and wilderness. Spread over thousands of acres, it offers a diverse range of landscapes, including dense forests, rolling hills, and crystal-clear lakes. The forest is home to an abundance of wildlife, ........more >
Zippel Bay State Park
After visiting Zippel Bay, you'll remember the sunsets, and the miles of white sand beach. The park is located on the shores of Lake of the Woods, one of the world's largest lakes. Because of its size, the lake freezes much later than most lakes and remains ice covered much later in the spring. In the ........more >
Visit Another Minnesota Region

state route ranger badge
Minnesota
52

Minnesota State Parks

X