GREAT OUTDOORS Minnesota National Park Sites & State Forests Discover a variety of trails, lakes, cabins and campsites with this sampling of standout parks. CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST In north-central Minnesota, Chippewa National Forest is home to more than 1,300 lakes and 923 miles of rivers and streams. There are 21 developed campgrounds, some rustic and others with running water and other modern amenities. Within the forest, experience the Lost 40 , a rare old growth forest that was spared from timber production in the late 1800s. The pines date back 300-400 years, and the ungroomed, one-mile trail that winds through them is a favorite for hiking or snowshoeing. MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL RIVER & RECREATION AREA This 72-mile-long river park runs from Dayton to Hastings, passing right through the heart of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Enjoy hiking, biking, fi shing, great views and historic sites, plus a variety of ranger-led activities. ST. CROIX NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAY Designated as a “National Wild and Scenic River,” the St. Croix is one of the best canoeing rivers in the nation and also offers some of the best smallmouth bass fi shing. You’ll fi nd fi ve state parks and numerous regional and city parks plus primitive National Park Service campsites along the shore. NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL Once complete, the North Country National Scenic Trail will be the longest continuous hiking trail in the United States. Currently, Minnesota’s portion includes the Superior Hiking Trail along the North Shore of Lake Superior, open for backcountry camping as well as day hikes between access points with parking. SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST Spanning 3 million acres in the northeast corner of the state, Superior National Forest is the largest national forest east of the Mississippi River. Its 2,000 lakes and streams (many of which are part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness), offer some of the country’s fi nest fi shing. There are extensive trails for hiking, off-highway vehicle riding and snowmobiling. Two downhill ski areas – Giant’s Ridge and Lutsen Mountains – also operate within the forest. To explore more of Minnesota’s national park sites and national forests, visit exploreminnesota.com/national-park-sites 56 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2025 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 56
