List of Minnesota state parks explained

There are 64 state parks, nine state recreation areas, nine state waysides, and 23 state trails in the Minnesota state park system, totaling approximately 267000acres.[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]

Minnesota's state parks are spread across the state in such a way that there is a state park within 50miles 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 118acres to Saint Croix State Park with 34037acres. 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 173acres 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.

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).[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 nameCounty or CountiesSizeYear EstablishedWater Body(s)CoordinatesRemarksImage
acresha
1600disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1969 44.8625°N -92.7835°W Lies on a glacial moraine with deep ravines that drop 300feet down to the St. Croix River.[9]
5597disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1963 46.1708°N -92.8441°W Contains 1.5miles of whitewater rapids and the remains of a historic quarry operation.[10]
3013disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1961 Bear Head Lake 47.7963°N -92.0768°W Provides road access and modern camping facilities in an environment similar to the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.[11]
715disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1937 East Beaver Creek 43.6427°N -91.5818°W Showcases the rugged topography of the Driftless Area in a narrow valley carved by a trout stream.[12]
9170disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 2000 48.1728°N -94.512°W Encompasses part of the largest peatland in the Lower 48 states (a National Natural Landmark) and a prime walleye fishery.[13]
980disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1961 45.3825°N -96.5131°W Protects two sections of shoreline on Big Stone Lake, the source of the Minnesota River.[14]
1567disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1937 Mound Creek 43.7069°N -96.187°W Protects an escarpment of Sioux Quartzite and Minnesota's only public bison herd.[15] A district of WPA structures is on the NRHP.[16]
1068disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1937 46.8655°N -96.4678°W Preserves part of one of the state's largest and best tallgrass prairies.[17] A district of WPA structures is on the NRHP.[18]
1855disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1935 44.3625°N -95.925°W Preserves a forested river valley in the midst of prairie and farm country.[19] A district of VCC and WPA structures is on the NRHP.[20]
209disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1949 44.1166°N -92.176°W Donated by State Senator James A. Carley to protect a stand of white pines. Used as an overflow campground for nearby Whitewater State Park.[21]
2867disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1957 47.7097°N -90.5222°W Stretches along 10.5miles of Lake Superior coastline in land rehabilitated after construction of Minnesota State Highway 61.[22] A WPA highway wayside is on the NRHP.
417disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1931 45.9589°N -94.3953°W Contains the restored home of Congressman Charles August Lindbergh and his son Charles Lindbergh, the famous aviator.[23] The house is a National Historic Landmark, and a district of WPA structures is on the NRHP.[24]
2335disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1959 Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers 46.2722°N -94.3333°W 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.[25]
6850disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1993 Chain of small lakes and streams, filled pit mines 46.4896°N -93.9775°W In development as the land is rehabilitated from open-pit iron mining. Includes Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake, the state's deepest lake.[26]
275disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1941 46.1447°N -93.488°W Provides lakeside recreation in the region visited by Father Louis Hennepin during a French expedition in 1680.[27]
840disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1937 44.2883°N -94.4736°W Created to provide water recreation near New Ulm.[28] Entire park is a district of CCC and WPA structures on the NRHP.[29]
3163disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1963 South Branch Root River and tributaries 43.6255°N -92.2474°W Encompasses the historic townsite of Forestville, the state's longest explored cave, and three blue-ribbon trout streams.[30]
537disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1911 Fort Ridgely Creek 44.4525°N -94.7308°W 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.[31] [32]
1825disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1961 Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers 44.8858°N -93.178°W 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.[33]
118disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1967 48.6422°N -94.0804°W 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.[34]
2226disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1957 44.5075°N -92.3263°W Attracts 260 species of year-round and migrant birds with its variety of habitats. Includes a natural arch atop a 430feet bluff.[35]
715disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1998 49.1753°N -94.8347°W Comprises a nearly undeveloped island, 15miles from the closest mainland marinas, that once bore Native American gardens.[36]
6200disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1955 47.506°N -91.109°W Contains undeveloped North Woods wilderness geared towards backpackers.[37]
1857disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1963 Several kettle lakes 45.5375°N -95.522°W Preserves rolling tallgrass prairie amidst the glacial landforms of the Leaf Hills Moraines.[38]
1924disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1991 Six kettle lakes 46.3333°N -95.6667°W 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.[39]
1741disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1937 47.1469°N -91.4632°W 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.[40] [41]
278disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1989 48.0102°N -89.612°W Features a 120feet 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.[42]
2122disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1963[43] 43.9464°N -91.3993°W Features 500adj=midNaNadj=mid bluffs and steep goat prairies. Formerly named O.L. Kipp State Park.[44]
1230disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 2004 Greenleaf and Sioux Lakes 45.0159°N -94.4667°W In development and open for limited day-use recreation.[45]
2118disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1967 48.6233°N -95.5078°W Provides fishing and swimming opportunities in an exclusively recreational reservoir free of agricultural runoff or water level fluctuations for irrigation or power generation.
288disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1895 45.395°N -92.6697°W Created in conjunction with a state park in Wisconsin to protect a basalt gorge and glacial potholes.[46] Two districts of CCC and WPA structures are on the NRHP.[47]
1864disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 2002 47.4825°N -92.4435°W Provides 36miles of trails for off highway vehicles.[48]
30553disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1891 47.1975°N -95.202°W 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.[49]
8125disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1915 46.6497°N -92.3307°W Showcases a rocky, whitewater-strewn river churning through the North Woods.[50] Three districts of CCC and WPA structures and a long-used portage route are on the NRHP.[51]
409disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1925 44.1619°N -91.8221°W Features three steep river bluffs.[52]
4323disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1957 47.8513°N -90.0584°W Contains the Devil's Kettle, a large glacial kettle into which half of the Brule River disappears.[53] ,[54]
202disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1945 43.7266°N -95.063°W Preserves a riverside parcel of forested hills on the Coteau des Prairies.[55]
1000disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 2011 Mississippi River, La Salle Lake 47.3372°N -95.1706°W In development around the second-deepest lake in Minnesota.[56]
897disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1959 Lac qui Parle, Minnesota and Lac qui Parle Rivers 45.0205°N -95.8889°W Attracts thousands of migrating waterfowl, earning it the name "Lake that Speaks."[57] A district of WPA buildings is on the NRHP.[58]
1653disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1923 47.5363°N -94.8228°W Features a recreational lakeshore and a spruce-tamarack bog.[59] A district of CCC and National Youth Administration structures is on the NRHP.[60]
2806disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1937 48.7247°N -96.6034°W Features a reservoir created during a drought in the 1930s. A district of WPA structures is on the NRHP.[61]
1175disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1937 Lake Carlos 45.9866°N -95.3278°W Preserves diverse habitats from prairie to hardwood forest to tamarack bog in a transition zone.[62] Two districts of WPA structures are on the NRHP.[63]
849disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1963 Lake Louise, Upper and Little Iowa Rivers 43.5336°N -92.5255°W 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.[64]
1475disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1963 Several kettle lakes 45.3139°N -93.9572°W Provides a lightly developed wilderness area near Minneapolis – Saint Paul in a morainal landscape of Big Woods.[65]
1109disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1937 44.1022°N -95.69°W Features remnants of pioneer history around the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota.[66] Two districts of WPA structures are on the NRHP.[67]
2875disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 2010 47.8347°N -92.1981°W Recently purchased and in development on the fifth-largest lake in Minnesota.[68]
8127disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1963 Several kettle lakes 46.5336°N -95.9492°W Preserves a forest/prairie transition zone in the Leaf Hills Moraines.[69] A Native American archaeological site is on the NRHP.
1908disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1945 Sturgeon and Side Lakes 47.6727°N -93.0302°W Features a 0.5adj=midNaNadj=mid beach on an isthmus between two lakes.[70]
9786disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1957 46.1288°N -93.7405°W 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.[71]
1617disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1905 Minnesota River, Minneopa Creek 44.1622°N -94.1022°W Showcases the largest waterfall in southern Minnesota. The 1864 Seppman Mill and a district of WPA structures are each on the NRHP.[72]
6442disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1969 44.662°N -93.7033°W Comprises non-contiguous sections interspersed with units of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in the valley formed by Glacial River Warren.[73]
343disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1937 Monson and West Sunberg Lakes 45.3205°N -95.275°W Established as a memorial to settlers who died in the Dakota War of 1862.[74] A district of CCC and WPA structures is on the NRHP.[75]
829disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1971 Moosehead and Echo Lakes 46.4363°N -92.7252°W Provides water recreation and an exhibit hall on Lake Superior agates (the state gemstone) and the geology of Minnesota.[76]
1578disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1947 Albert Lea Lake 43.6238°N -93.2891°W 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.[77]
1646disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1945 Prairie Creek 44.3452°N -93.1074°W Preserves a remnant stand of Big Woods.[78]
287disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1951 48.3614°N -96.5703°W Features two mills and a log cabin from the late 19th Century.[79] The Larson Mill and a district of WPA structures are each on the NRHP.[80]
104disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1997 47.9328°N -97.0356°W 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.[81]
712disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1963 Rice Lake 44.0875°N -93.0613°W Surrounds a shallow lake which attracts migrating waterfowl.[82]
St. Croix Islands State Recreation Area 25disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1935 45.0852°N -92.7861°W 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.
31775disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1943 45.9741°N -92.5835°W 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.[83]
810disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1963 44.2211°N -93.5358°W Features a transitional zone between prairie and Big Woods on a natural widening of the Cannon River.[84]
15277disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1961 East and West Savanna Rivers, numerous kettle lakes 46.8374°N -93.1566°W Preserves a historically important and legendarily difficult 6miles portage over a continental divide between the watersheds of the Mississippi River and Lake Superior.[85] The portage is on the NRHP.
2370disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1921 Sandwick and Coon Lakes 47.7158°N -93.563°W 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.[86]
141disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1959 47.225°N -93.7999°W 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.[87]
2540disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1919 Lake Andrew and other kettle lakes 45.3197°N -95.0231°W Honors Henry Hastings Sibley, the first governor of Minnesota, with a popular recreational lakeshore and a morainal landscape.[88] A district of CCC structures is on the NRHP.[89]
947disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1937 Split Rock Lake 43.898°N -96.3642°W Features a recreational reservoir on the Coteau des Prairies.[90]
2112disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1945 47.1921°N -91.3929°W Surrounds the clifftop Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States.[91] The lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark.
1134disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1957 47.5543°N -90.8724°W 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.[92]
8998disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1979 47.3588°N -91.2641°W 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.[93]
1672disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1919 44.0583°N -92.0588°W Showcases a popular steep-sided river valley in the Driftless Area.[94] A large district of CCC and WPA structures is on the NRHP.[95]
6574disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1973 45.568°N -92.8758°W Follows 18miles of one of the first waterways designated a National Wild and Scenic River.[96] A section of the Point Douglas to Superior Military Road is on the NRHP.[97]
1783disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1947 45.2194°N -92.766°W Provides outdoor recreation opportunities near Minneapolis – Saint Paul.[98]
2826disp=tableNaNdisp=table align=right 1959 48.8639°N -94.8594°W Provides water recreation and birdwatching opportunities on the shore of the country's sixth largest lake.[99]

State waysides

The state park system includes nine waysides, most of them along Minnesota State Highway 61 on the North Shore.[100] 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.

Wayside nameCountyDate establishedCoordinatesRemarks[101] Image
Caribou Falls State WaysideLakealign=right 194747.4645°N -91.0308°WIncludes a waterfall on the Caribou River. Formerly Caribou Falls State Park.
Devils Track Falls State WaysideCookalign=right 196147.778°N -90.2827°WA nearly inaccessible gorge on the Devil Track River within Superior National Forest. Formerly Devils Track Falls State Park.
Flood Bay State WaysideLakealign=right 196547.0385°N -91.6425°WA rocky Lake Superior beach just outside Two Harbors.
Inspiration Peak State WaysideOtter Tailalign=right 193146.1371°N -95.5781°WThe highest point of the Leaf Hills Moraines.
Joseph R. Brown State WaysideRenvillealign=right 193744.7503°N -95.3244°WThe ruins of Joseph R. Brown's three-story mansion, destroyed during the Dakota War of 1862. The ruins are on the NRHP.
Kadunce River State WaysideCookalign=right 194747.7939°N -90.1541°WLake Superior shoreline around the mouth of the variably spelled Kadunce River. Formerly Kodonce River State Park.
Ray Berglund State WaysideCookalign=right 195147.6089°N -90.7694°WA memorial at the mouth of the Onion River to a St. Paul businessman and conservationist, on land donated by his friends.
St. Croix Boom Site State WaysideWashingtonalign=right 201645.0839°N -92.7873°WCommemorates 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.[102]
Sam Brown Memorial State WaysideTraversealign=right 192945.5962°N -96.8414°WCreated to honor Joseph R. Brown's son Samuel J. Brown, "the Paul Revere of the West," who rode 120miles through a storm on April 19, 1866, to warn of an expected Dakota attack. Formerly Sam Brown State Park.

State trails

Trail nameTrailheadsLength in milesLength in kilometersSurfaceRemarks
135disp=tableNaNdisp=table Unpaved Serves primarily as a winter snowmobile route, branching off the Taconite State Trail.[103]
6disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved Planned to continue to Austin and connect with the Shooting Star State Trail.[104]
Blufflands State Trail

Harmony-Preston Valley Segment

18disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved Climbs out of the Root River Valley.[105]
Blufflands State Trail

Root River Segment

42disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved Extends along the Root River.[106]
19disp=tableNaNdisp=table Partly paved Invokes legendary train engineer Casey Jones in three unconnected segments that reflect railroad and pioneer history.[107]
55disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved Skirts a series of glacially formed lakes in Central Minnesota and connects to the Lake Wobegon Trails.[108]
6disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved Wends through a regenerating open-pit mining area and connects with several mountain biking trails.[109]
13disp=tableNaNdisp=table Parallel paved and unpaved Stretches through the rural scenery of a rich agricultural region.[110]
St. Paul – Pine Point Regional Park 18disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved with 10miles of parallel unpaved Extends from an urban setting to a rural park near Stillwater.[111]
25disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved Runs along the shore of Lake Superior in multiple unconnected segments. Planned to run continuously from Two Harbors to Grand Marais.[112]
22disp=tableNaNdisp=table Parallel paved and unpaved Traverses gently rolling glacial landforms.[113]
10disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved with some parallel unpaved Exists in two sections, but planned to run from Red Wing to Pine Island.[114]
13disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved with some parallel unpaved Wends past the river bluffs of the Driftless Area.[115]
49disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved with some parallel unpaved Passes through mixed northern forests, intersecting with the Paul Bunyan State Trail.[116]
63disp=tableNaNdisp=table Partly paved with some parallel unpaved[117] Stretches from the Minneapolis suburbs out to a rural landscape.[118]
3disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved Planned to connect the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail in Faribault to the Cannon Valley Trail in Cannon Falls[119]
42disp=tableNaNdisp=table Mostly unpaved Follows the Minnesota River.[120]
146disp=tableNaNdisp=table Unpaved Traverses the inland backcountry of the North Shore, primarily as a winter snowmobile route.[121]
112disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved Comprises one of the country's longest continuously paved trails, with a planned extension to Crow Wing State Park. Intersects with the Heartland State Trail.[122]
39disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved with some parallel unpaved Follows the Cannon River and passes through Sakatah Lake State Park.[123]
14disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved Crosses open country and passes through Lake Louise State Park.[124]
155disp=tableNaNdisp=table Mostly unpaved Serves primarily as a winter snowmobile route, intersecting with the Arrowhead State Trail.[125]
76disp=tableNaNdisp=table Paved Honors state legislator and trail advocate Willard Munger with a trail system of three segments.[126]

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.[127]

Trail nameSouth/West terminusNorth/East terminusRemarks
Camp Ripley/Veterans State TrailLittle FallsCrow Wing State ParkA 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 TrailIowa border in Jackson CountyCasey Jones State Trail in Murray CountyPlanned 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 TrailBig Stone Lake State ParkLe SueurPlanned to connect with the Minnesota Valley State Trail in Le Sueur.
Mississippi Blufflands State TrailLake CityRed WingTo connect with the Cannon Valley Trail and the Rattlesnake Bluff Trail.
Prairie Wildflower State TrailAustinFaribaultTo follow an abandoned railroad grade.
Stagecoach State TrailOwatonnaRochesterTo pass through Rice Lake State Park on the historic Stagecoach Trail.
Superior Vista State TrailDuluthTwo HarborsTo 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. Four of these units were redesignated as state waysides and are listed above. The other former units were:

Former nameDate
established		Date
redesignated		ResultImage
Alexander Ramsey State Park[128] align=right 1911align=right 1957Transferred to Redwood Falls as a city park.
Birch Cooley Battle Field State Memorial Parkalign=right 1929align=right 1976Transferred to Minnesota Historical Society.
Camp Release State Memorial Waysidealign=right 1889align=right 1975Redesignated Camp Release State Monument.
Hill-Annex Mine State Park[129] align=right 1931align=right 2024Mining Operations resumed
Horace Austin State Park[130] align=right 1913align=right 1949Transferred to Austin as a city park.
Garvin Heights State Parkalign=right 1922align=right 1961Transferred to Winona as a city park.
Kaplan Woods State Park[131] align=right 1935align=right 1963Part demolished to build a highway, remainder transferred to Owatonna as a city park.
Lac qui Parle Mission Chippewa Mission State Memorial Waysidealign=right 1931align=right 1973Transferred to Minnesota Historical Society.
Little Elbow Lake State Parkalign=right 1963align=right 1989Transferred to White Earth Indian Reservation.
Old Crossing Treaty Historic Waysidealign=right 1931align=right 1987Parts transferred to Red Lake County and University of Minnesota Crookston, remainder added to Huot Wildlife Management Area.
Oronoco Park (later Oronoco State Scenic Reserve)[132] align=right 1937align=right 1965Transferred to Olmsted County.
Pine Tree State Parkalign=right 1947align=right 1965Transferred to Blackduck as a city park.
Pomme de Terre Recreational Reservealign=right 1937align=right 1965Transferred to Morris as a city park.
Sleepy Eye State Parkalign=right 1921align=right 1965Transferred to Sleepy Eye as a city park.
Toqua Lakes State Parkalign=right 1921align=right 1965Transferred to Big Stone County as a county park.
Traverse des Sioux State Parkalign=right 1905align=right 1981Transferred to Minnesota Historical Society and city of St. Peter.
Upper Sioux Agency State Park[133] align=right 1963align=right 2024Transferred to Upper Sioux Community
Watson State Waysidealign=right 1941align=right 1959Transferred to Watson as a city park.

See also

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Welcome to Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2007 . 2007-09-22.
  2. Web site: Proposed Lake Vermilion State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2007 . 2007-09-22.
  3. Web site: Itasca State Park National Register Listing . Minnesota Historical Society (May 1992 Update) . May 1973 . 2007-09-22.
  4. Book: Meyer, Roy Willard . Everyone's Country Estate: A History of Minnesota's State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society Press . 1991 . 0-87351-266-9.
  5. Web site: Minnesota Traveler . Minnesota State Parks Newsletter . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . Summer 2007 . 2007-09-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070630172557/http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/parks_recreation/traveler_07/traveler_2007.pdf . 2007-06-30., p. 16.
  6. Web site: Minnesota's National Register Properties . Minnesota Historical Society . 2012-10-31.
  7. News: Remington . Harry . CCC Program Spurs Work in State Forest Parks . January 9, 2021 . Star Tribune . March 10, 1935 . 28.
  8. Web site: Minnesota's Submerged Cultural Resources Preservation Plan . Minnesota Historical Society . June 1997 . June 7, 2011.
  9. Web site: Afton State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  10. Web site: Banning State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  11. Web site: Bear Head Lake State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22 .
  12. Web site: Beaver Creek Valley State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  13. Web site: Big Bog State Recreation Area . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  14. Web site: Big Stone Lake State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  15. Web site: Blue Mounds State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  16. Web site: Blue Mounds State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  17. Web site: Buffalo River State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  18. Web site: Buffalo River State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  19. Web site: Camden State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  20. Web site: Camden State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  21. Web site: Carley State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  22. Web site: Cascade River State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  23. Web site: Charles A. Lindbergh State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  24. Web site: Charles A. Lindbergh State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  25. Web site: Crow Wing State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  26. Web site: Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  27. Web site: Father Hennepin State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  28. Web site: Afton State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  29. Web site: Flandrau State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  30. Web site: Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  31. Web site: Fort Ridgely State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  32. Web site: Fort Ridgely State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  33. Web site: Fort Snelling State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  34. Web site: Franz Jevne State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  35. Web site: Frontenac State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  36. Web site: Garden Island State Recreation Area . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  37. Web site: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  38. Web site: Glacial Lakes State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  39. Web site: Glendalough State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  40. Web site: Gooseberry Falls State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  41. Web site: Gooseberry Falls State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  42. Web site: Grand Portage State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  43. Web site: State parks.
  44. Web site: Great River Bluffs State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  45. Web site: Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  46. Web site: Interstate State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  47. Web site: Interstate State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  48. Web site: Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  49. Web site: Itasca State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  50. Web site: Jay Cooke State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  51. Web site: Jay Cooke State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  52. Web site: John A. Latsch State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  53. Web site: Judge C. R. Magney State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  54. Zeppelin . Cheri . Scientists Solve Geological Puzzle . Minnesota Conservation Volunteer . March–April 2017 . 2017-09-07.
  55. Web site: Kilen Woods State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  56. Web site: La Salle Lake State Recreation Area . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2011-11-14.
  57. Web site: Lac qui Parle State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  58. Web site: Lac qui Parle State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  59. Web site: Lake Bemidji State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  60. Web site: Lake Bemidji State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  61. Web site: Lake Bronson State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  62. Web site: Lake Carlos State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  63. Web site: Lake Carlos State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  64. Web site: Lake Louise State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  65. Web site: Lake Maria State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  66. Web site: Lake Shetek State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  67. Web site: Lake Shetek State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  68. Web site: Lake Vermilion State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  69. Web site: Maplewood State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  70. Web site: McCarthy Beach State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  71. Web site: Mille Lacs Kathio State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  72. Web site: Minneopa State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  73. Web site: Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  74. Web site: Monson Lake State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  75. Web site: Monson Lake State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  76. Web site: Moose Lake State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  77. Web site: Myre-Big Island State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  78. Web site: Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  79. Web site: Old Mill State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  80. Web site: Old Mill State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  81. Web site: Red River State Recreation Area . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  82. Web site: Rice Lake State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  83. Web site: St. Croix State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  84. Web site: Sakatah Lake State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  85. Web site: Savanna Portage State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  86. Web site: Scenic State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2001 . 2007-09-22.
  87. Web site: Schoolcraft State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  88. Web site: Sibley State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  89. Web site: Sibley State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09.
  90. Web site: Split Rock Creek State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  91. Web site: Split Rock Lighthouse State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  92. Web site: Temperance River State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22 .
  93. Web site: Tettegouche State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  94. Web site: Whitewater State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  95. Web site: Whitewater State Park . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society . 2011-07-09 .
  96. Web site: Wild River State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  97. Web site: Wild River State Park Management Plan . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . February 2007 . 2012-05-08.
  98. Web site: William O'Brien State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  99. Web site: Zippel Bay State Park . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  100. Web site: State Park Waysides: Minnesota DNR . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . June 7, 2011.
  101. https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/getpub.php?pubtype=STAT_CHAP&year=2007&section=85#stat.85.013.0 Minnesota Statute § 85.013
  102. News: Devine . Mary. Scenic St. Croix River park reopening after 2-month takeover . . 2016-06-30 . 2016-09-03.
  103. Web site: Arrowhead State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  104. Web site: Blazing Star State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  105. Web site: Harmony-Preston Valley Segment . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  106. Web site: Root River Segment . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  107. Web site: Casey Jones State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  108. Web site: Central Lakes State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  109. Web site: Cuyuna Lakes State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  110. Web site: Douglas State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  111. Web site: Gateway State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  112. Web site: Gitchi-Gami State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  113. Web site: Glacial Lakes State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  114. Web site: Goodhue Pioneer State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  115. Web site: Great River Ridge State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  116. Web site: Heartland State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  117. News: Section by section, Luce Line Trail dream realized . Steve Brandt . . 2015-10-09 . 2016-09-13.
  118. Web site: Luce Line State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  119. Web site: DNR continues to negotiate land purchase for Mill Towns Trail in Rice County . Brad Phenow . Faribault Daily News . 2015-01-28.
  120. Web site: Minnesota Valley State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  121. Web site: North Shore State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  122. Web site: Paul Bunyan State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  123. Web site: Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  124. Web site: Shooting Star State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  125. Web site: Taconite State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  126. Web site: Willard Munger State Trail . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . 2010-08-22.
  127. Web site: Statute 85.015 . . 2016-02-24.
  128. Web site: 1957 Minn. Laws ch. 230 . 2006 Minnesota Statutes sec. 810 . Office of the Revisor of Statutes . 2007-09-22.
  129. News: Buffington . Megan . February 27, 2024 . DNR: Abolish Hill Annex Mine State Park to allow for iron ore mining . 2024-06-06 . KAXE . en.
  130. Web site: 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 . 2007-09-22 .
  131. Web site: Kaplan Woods Parkway . Parks & Recreation . City of Owatonna . 2007-09-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070916140357/http://www.ci.owatonna.mn.us/services/parks/park-kaplan.php . 2007-09-16.
  132. Web site: 1965 Minn. Laws ch. 810, sec. 9 . 2006 Minnesota Statutes sec. 816 . Office of the Revisor of Statutes . 2007-09-22 .
  133. News: Stanley . Greg . May 11, 2023 . Minnesota poised to close state park, return land to Dakota tribe . 2023-05-12 . Star Tribune . en.

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