By Caitlin Hannah and Alyssa Hayes 2021-03-23 16:28:30
Untamed natural beauty covers much of the Minnesota landscape. The state has one of the nation’s greatest, most diverse state park systems with more than 227,000 acres in 75 parks and recreation areas, as well as six national park sites, including the uniquely water-based Voyageurs National Park. Visit any time of year—there’s a park for every season in Minnesota. FALL 1. Bike path in Itasca State Park - Photo by Peter Hawkins/Danita Delimont 2. Lake Ozawindib - Photo by Peter Hawkins/Danita Delimont 3. Mississippi Headwaters in fall Photo by @lexi4o6 SOAK UP THE AUTUMN COLORS AT THE HEADWATERS Walking across the headwaters of the Mississippi River is a mighty Minnesota tradition. More than 2,500 miles north of its mile-wide mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, America’s greatest river starts in northern Minnesota at Itasca State Park as a stream tumbling over a few rocks, easily crossed on foot. While the Mississippi is undeniably its star attraction, there’s much more to Itasca State Park than just the headwaters. This 32,690-acre park has it all—especially in fall. Filled with a plethora of trees like ash, basswoods, birch, maple, oak and tamarack, the park makes for quite the breathtaking fall color show. The leaves are most vibrant between mid-September and early- October, and the season’s cooler temps and smaller bug population make this the perfect time to visit. Lace up your hiking boots to view the colors on 49 miles of trails, or climb the 100-foot Aiton Heights Fire Tower for one of the best autumn views in Minnesota. You can also see the fall colors from the water on Coborn’s Lake Itasca Tours through the first week of October. Itasca State Park has more than 200 campsites for tents or recreational vehicles, plus several camper cabins and rooms at the historic Douglas Lodge. Famous for its log cabin design, large stone fireplace and restaurant serving Minnesota favorites like wild rice and walleye, the Douglas Lodge is the epitome of Up North hospitality. WINTER 1. Snowmobiling on trails in Voyageurs National Park Delimont 2. Photo by Jordan Olson 3. 4. Ice rocks in Voyageurs National Park - Photo by Abdiel Nieves SLED THROUGH THE SPARKLING SCENERY OF VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK When the weather turns cold, embrace Minnesota’s winter culture and celebrate the season outdoors. For a true Minnesota winter experience, venture to Voyageurs National Park for a snowmobile trip through one of the state’s most captivating landscapes. Nestled along the U.S.-Canada border, this remote 218,000-acre national park makes for an epic snowmobiling backdrop. Composed almost entirely of lakes, the interior of Voyageurs becomes a winter wonderland of glistening snow, frozen lakes and frost-glazed pines when the temperatures drop. Snowmobilers are drawn to the park for its 110 miles of marked and groomed trails, mostly across frozen interconnected waterways and towering pine-lined portages. Rip across the park’s main (frozen) lake tops: Rainy Lake, Kabetogema, Namakan, Sand Point and Crane Lake. In addition, the 11-mile, ungroomed Chain of Lakes Trail explores the rugged interior of the Kabetogama Peninsula wilderness. Many snowmobilers plan long-distance loop trips on area trails, linking into the park trail system along the way. For the not-so-avid rider, snowmobile rentals are available at some area lodges or in International Falls, 12 miles west of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. In addition to resorts around the perimeter of the park, there are several hotels in International Falls. MORE GREAT PARKS FOR FALL AND WINTER » Catch the fall colors along Minnesota’s North Shore at one of eight state parks, including Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche and Grand Portage. » Go winter fat biking in a former iron ore mine at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. » Drop a line and try your luck ice fishing at Glacial Lakes State Park. » Cross-country ski your way through the Big Cottonwood River Valley at Flandrau State Park. SUMMER 1. Snowmobiling on trails in Voyageurs National Park Delimont 2. Photo by Jordan Olson 3. North Mississippi Regional Park EXPLORE THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI FROM THE CITY Mississippi National River and Recreation Area spans 72 miles within Minneapolis- St. Paul and its surrounding cities. A unique partnership between the National Park system, Minnesota State Parks, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and numerous city and regional parks, it is a popular destination for anglers, boaters and paddlers. During the summertime, the park comes alive with residents and travelers utilizing the trails, shoreline and water. If you want to get out on the water, the river offers many miles to explore. If you don’t have a boat, take advantage of the Mississippi River Paddle Share, a selfserve kayak sharing system that lets you check out a kayak at one station, paddle to your destination and return your kayak at another station. An additional, less athletic option, is to book a charter cruise on one of the river’s posh paddleboat services. You can take to the water to fish for bass, catfish, walleyes, sunfish, northern pike, muskellunge and more. Fish by boat, shoreline or at a fishing pier. Some of the best shore fishing can be found at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis, Fort Snelling State Park or Hidden Falls Park in St. Paul. The walleye and sauger bite is especially hot below Lock and Dam 1 in St. Paul. Keep in mind it’s a catch-and-release fishery, so you may catch a lunker. If you’re looking for bass, the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park MORE GREAT PARKS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER » Located on the St. Croix River, Interstate State Park is a popular spot for canoers, kayakers and paddleboat tours. » Go chasing waterfalls at Minneopa State Park, where you’ll find Southern Minnesota’s largest waterfall. » Hike along a glacial beach ridge and explore the native tallgrass prairie at Buffalo River State Park. » Plan a picnic at Como Park in St. Paul, then head to the adjacent Como Conservatory and Zoo. SPRING 1. Family at Gooseberry Falls State Park in Two Harbors Photo by Minnesota DNR 2. Gooseberry Falls State Park waterfall Photo by Justin Pruden 3. 4. Young boy hiking in Gooseberry Falls State Park - Photo by Scott Syring 5. Photo by Micah Kvidt SPRING FOR A TRIP TO GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK As winter turns to spring, take a road trip along the North Shore of Lake Superior to bask in the lush scenery and outdoor adventures. Along the scenic, 150-mile drive from Duluth to the U.S.-Canada border, you’ll discover quaint harbor towns and eight of the state’s most picturesque state parks, including Gooseberry Falls State Park near Two Harbors. Considered the gateway to the North Shore, Gooseberry Falls is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls—and they’re especially impressive in the early spring, as the snowmelt fills the Gooseberry River that feeds them. The park is home to five waterfalls, including three awe-inspiring— and loud!—ones where the Gooseberry River roars through a rocky gorge on its way to Lake Superior. You’ll find 20 miles of hiking trails at this popular destination, including the fantastic Fifth Falls Trail. This 3-mile trail loop passes by the park’s well-trod lower and middle falls, winding northwest along the Gooseberry River to the less-crowded upper falls before continuing to the park’s secluded Fifth Falls. If you’re looking for a gorgeous hike with some of the state’s most impressive waterfall views, it doesn’t get any better than this. Like several Minnesota State Parks and Trails, Gooseberry Falls State Park rolls out the red carpet with wheelchair-accessible amenities, including accessible trails so everyone can enjoy the glorious nature experience. The park also offers interpretive programs for kids and adults to learn more about the history, geology and wildlife of the North Shore region. FIND YOUR PARK Explore the untamed natural beauty of Minnesota’s parks and forests and plan your trip today. ExploreMinnesota.com/Parks
©Explore Minnesota. View All Articles.