List of Minnesota state parks
Map of State Parks of MinnesotaHold cursor over locations to display park name; click to go to park article.
There are 64 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 Park
Washington
1,600
650
1969
St. Croix River
44°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 Park
Pine
5,597
2,265
1963
Kettle River
46°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 Park
St. Louis
3,013
1,219
1961
Bear Head Lake
47°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 Park
Houston
715
289
1937
East Beaver Creek
43°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 Area
Beltrami
9,170
3,710
2000[ 9]
Red Lake , Tamarac River
48°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 Park
Big Stone
980
400
1961
Big Stone Lake
45°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 Park
Rock
1,567
634
1937
Mound Creek
43°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 Park
Clay
1,068
432
1937
Buffalo River
46°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 Park
Lyon
1,855
751
1935
Redwood River
44°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 Park
Wabasha
209
85
1949
Whitewater River
44°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 Park
Cook
2,867
1,160
1957
Lake Superior and Cascade River
47°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 Park
Morrison
417
169
1931
Mississippi River
45°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 Park
Crow Wing , Cass , and Morrison
2,335
945
1959
Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers
46°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 Area
Crow Wing
6,850
2,770
1993
Chain of small lakes and streams, filled pit mines
46°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 Park
Mille Lacs
275
111
1941
Mille Lacs Lake
46°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 Park
Brown
840
340
1937
Cottonwood River
44°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 Park
Fillmore
3,163
1,280
1963
South Branch Root River and tributaries
43°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 Park
Nicollet and Renville
537
217
1911
Fort Ridgely Creek
44°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 Park
Ramsey , Hennepin , and Dakota
1,825
739
1961
Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers
44°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 Park
Koochiching
118
48
1967
Rainy River
48°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 Park
Goodhue
2,226
901
1957
Lake Pepin on Mississippi River
44°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 Area
Lake of the Woods
715
289
1998[ 9]
Lake of the Woods
49°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 Park
Lake
6,200
2,500
1955
Manitou River
47°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 Park
Pope
1,857
752
1963
Several kettle lakes
45°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 Park
Otter Tail
1,924
779
1991[ 9]
Six kettle lakes
46°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 Park
Lake
1,741
705
1937
Lake Superior , Gooseberry River
47°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 Park
Cook
278
113
1989
Pigeon River
48°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 Park
Winona
2,122
859
1963[ 44]
Mississippi River
43°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 Area
Meeker
1,230
500
2004
Greenleaf and Sioux Lakes
45°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 Park
Roseau
2,118
857
1967
Hayes Lake, North Fork Roseau River
48°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
Interstate State Park
Chisago
288
117
1895
St. Croix River
45°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 .[ 47] Two districts of CCC and WPA structures are on the NRHP .[ 48]
Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area
St. Louis
1,864
754
2002
Lake Ore-be-gone
47°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 .[ 49]
Itasca State Park
Hubbard , Clearwater , and Becker
30,553
12,364
1891
Lake Itasca
47°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 .[ 50]
Jay Cooke State Park
Carlton
8,125
3,288
1915
Saint Louis River
46°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 .[ 51] Three districts of CCC and WPA structures and a long-used portage route are on the NRHP .[ 52]
John A. Latsch State Park
Winona
409
166
1925
Mississippi River
44°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.[ 53]
Judge C. R. Magney State Park
Cook
4,323
1,749
1957
Lake Superior , Brule River
47°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.[ 54]
,[ 55]
Kilen Woods State Park
Jackson
202
82
1945
Des Moines River
43°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 .[ 56]
La Salle Lake State Recreation Area
Hubbard
1,000
400
2011
Mississippi River , La Salle Lake
47°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.[ 57]
Lac qui Parle State Park
Lac qui Parle and Chippewa
897
363
1959
Lac qui Parle , Minnesota and Lac qui Parle Rivers
45°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."[ 58] A district of WPA buildings is on the NRHP .[ 59]
Lake Bemidji State Park
Beltrami
1,653
669
1923
Lake Bemidji
47°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.[ 60] A district of CCC and National Youth Administration structures is on the NRHP .[ 61]
Lake Bronson State Park
Kittson
2,806
1,136
1937
Lake Bronson, South Branch Two Rivers
48°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 .[ 62]
Lake Carlos State Park
Douglas
1,175
476
1937
Lake Carlos
45°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.[ 63] Two districts of WPA structures are on the NRHP .[ 64]
Lake Louise State Park
Mower
849
344
1963
Lake Louise, Upper and Little Iowa Rivers
43°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.[ 65]
Lake Maria State Park
Wright
1,475
597
1963
Several kettle lakes
45°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 .[ 66]
Lake Shetek State Park
Murray County
1,109
449
1937
Lake Shetek
44°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.[ 67] Two districts of WPA structures are on the NRHP .[ 68]
Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine State Park
St. Louis
2,875
1,163[ 9]
2010[ 9]
Lake Vermilion
47°50′05″N 92°11′53″W / 47.83471°N 92.19812°W / 47.83471; -92.19812 (Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine State Park )
Recently purchased and in development on the fifth-largest lake in Minnesota.[ 69]
Maplewood State Park
Otter Tail
8,127
3,289
1963
Several kettle lakes
46°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 .[ 70] A Native American archaeological site is on the NRHP .
McCarthy Beach State Park
St. Louis
1,908
772
1945
Sturgeon and Side Lakes
47°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.[ 71]
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Mille Lacs
9,786
3,960
1957
Mille Lacs Lake , Rum River
46°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] [ 72]
Minneopa State Park
Blue Earth
1,617
654
1905
Minnesota River , Minneopa Creek
44°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 .[ 73]
Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
Hennepin , Dakota , Scott , Carver , Sibley , and Le Sueur
6,442
2,607
1969
Minnesota River
44°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 .[ 74]
Monson Lake State Park
Swift
343
139
1937
Monson and West Sunberg Lakes
45°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 .[ 75] A district of CCC and WPA structures is on the NRHP .[ 76]
Moose Lake State Park
Carlton
829
335
1971
Moosehead and Echo Lakes
46°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 .[ 77]
Myre-Big Island State Park
Freeborn
1,578
639
1947
Albert Lea Lake
43°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.[ 78]
Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park
Rice
1,646
666
1945
Prairie Creek
44°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 .[ 79]
Old Mill State Park
Marshall
287
116
1951
Middle River
48°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.[ 80] The Larson Mill and a district of WPA structures are each on the NRHP .[ 81]
Red River State Recreation Area
Polk
104
42
1997
Red River of the North and Red Lake River
47°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.[ 82]
Rice Lake State Park
Steele and Dodge
712
288
1963
Rice Lake
44°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.[ 83]
St. Croix Islands State Recreation Area
Washington
25
10
1935
St. Croix River
45°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 Park
Pine
31,775
12,859
1943
St. Croix River
45°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 .[ 84]
Sakatah Lake State Park
Le Sueur and Rice
810
330
1963
Sakatah Lake on the Cannon River
44°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.[ 85]
Savanna Portage State Park
Aitkin and St. Louis
15,277
6,182
1961
East and West Savanna Rivers , numerous kettle lakes
46°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 .[ 86] The portage is on the NRHP .[ 6]
Scenic State Park
Itasca
2,370
960
1921
Sandwick and Coon Lakes
47°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 .[ 87]
Schoolcraft State Park
Cass and Itasca
141
57
1959
Mississippi River
47°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.[ 88]
Sibley State Park
Kandiyohi
2,540
1,030
1919
Lake Andrew and other kettle lakes
45°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.[ 89] A district of CCC structures is on the NRHP .[ 90]
Split Rock Creek State Park
Pipestone
947
383
1937
Split Rock Lake
43°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 .[ 91]
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Lake
2,112
855
1945
Lake Superior , Split Rock River
47°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.[ 92] The lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark .
Temperance River State Park
Cook
1,134
459
1957
Lake Superior , Temperance and Cross Rivers
47°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.[ 93]
Tettegouche State Park
Lake
8,998
3,641
1979
Lake Superior and Baptism River
47°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 .[ 94]
Whitewater State Park
Winona
1,672
677
1919
Whitewater River
44°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 .[ 95] A large district of CCC and WPA structures is on the NRHP .[ 96]
Wild River State Park
Chisago
6,574
2,660
1973
St. Croix River
45°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 .[ 97] A section of the Point Douglas to Superior Military Road is on the NRHP .[ 98]
William O'Brien State Park
Washington
1,783
722
1947
St. Croix River
45°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 .[ 99]
Zippel Bay State Park
Lake of the Woods
2,826
1,144
1959
Lake of the Woods
48°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.[ 100]
State waysides
The state park system includes nine waysides, most of them along Minnesota State Highway 61 on the North Shore .[ 101] 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]
State trails
Trail name
Trailheads[ 9]
Length in miles[ 9]
Length in kilometers[ 9]
Surface
Remarks
Arrowhead State Trail
Tower – International Falls
135
217
Unpaved
Serves primarily as a winter snowmobile route, branching off the Taconite State Trail .[ 104]
Blazing Star State Trail
Albert Lea – Myre-Big Island State Park
6
9.7
Paved
Planned to continue to Austin and connect with the Shooting Star State Trail .[ 105]
Blufflands State Trail : Harmony-Preston Valley Segment
Harmony – Preston
18
29
Paved
Climbs out of the Root River Valley.[ 106]
Blufflands State Trail : Root River Segment
Fountain – Houston
42
68
Paved
Extends along the Root River .[ 107]
Casey Jones State Trail
Pipestone – Murray County ,Lake Shetek State Park – Currie
19
31
Partly paved
Invokes legendary train engineer Casey Jones in three unconnected segments that reflect railroad and pioneer history.[ 108]
Central Lakes State Trail
Osakis – Fergus Falls
55
89
Paved
Skirts a series of glacially formed lakes in Central Minnesota and connects to the Lake Wobegon Trails .[ 109]
Cuyuna Lakes State Trail
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
6
9.7
Paved
Wends through a regenerating open-pit mining area and connects with several mountain biking trails.[ 110]
Douglas State Trail
Pine Island – Rochester
13
21
Parallel paved and unpaved
Stretches through the rural scenery of a rich agricultural region.[ 111]
Gateway State Trail
St. Paul – Pine Point Regional Park
18
29
Paved with 10 miles (16 km) of parallel unpaved
Extends from an urban setting to a rural park near Stillwater .[ 112]
Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Gooseberry Falls State Park – Beaver Bay ,Schroeder – Tofte
25
40
Paved
Runs along the shore of Lake Superior in multiple unconnected segments. Planned to run continuously from Two Harbors to Grand Marais .[ 113]
Glacial Lakes State Trail
Hawick – Willmar
22
35
Parallel paved and unpaved
Traverses gently rolling glacial landforms .[ 114]
Goodhue Pioneer State Trail
Red Wing – Hay Creek Township , Zumbrota
10
16
Paved with some parallel unpaved
Exists in two sections, but planned to run from Red Wing to Pine Island .[ 115]
Great River Ridge State Trail
Plainview – Eyota
13
21
Paved with some parallel unpaved
Wends past the river bluffs of the Driftless Area .[ 116]
Heartland State Trail
Park Rapids – Cass Lake
49
79
Paved with some parallel unpaved
Passes through mixed northern forests, intersecting with the Paul Bunyan State Trail .[ 117]
Luce Line State Trail
Plymouth – Cosmos
63
101
Partly paved with some parallel unpaved[ 118]
Stretches from the Minneapolis suburbs out to a rural landscape.[ 119]
Mill Towns State Trail
Northfield – Dundas
3
4.8
Paved
Planned to connect the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail in Faribault to the Cannon Valley Trail in Cannon Falls [ 120]
Minnesota Valley State Trail
Shakopee – Belle Plaine
42
68
Mostly unpaved
Follows the Minnesota River .[ 121]
North Shore State Trail
Duluth – Grand Marais
146
235
Unpaved
Traverses the inland backcountry of the North Shore , primarily as a winter snowmobile route.[ 122]
Paul Bunyan State Trail
Brainerd – Lake Bemidji State Park
112
180
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 .[ 123]
Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail
Faribault – Mankato
39
63
Paved with some parallel unpaved
Follows the Cannon River and passes through Sakatah Lake State Park .[ 124]
Shooting Star State Trail
LeRoy – Adams
14
23
Paved
Crosses open country and passes through Lake Louise State Park .[ 125]
Taconite State Trail
Grand Rapids – Ely
155
249
Mostly unpaved
Serves primarily as a winter snowmobile route, intersecting with the Arrowhead State Trail .[ 126]
Willard Munger State Trail
Hinckley – Duluth ,Wrenshall – Carlton ,Chengwatana State Forest – Holyoke
76
122
Paved
Honors state legislator and trail advocate Willard Munger with a trail system of three segments.[ 127]
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.[ 128]
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] [ 102] The other former units were:
See also
References
^ "Welcome to Minnesota State Parks" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2007. Retrieved September 22, 2007 .
^ "Proposed Lake Vermilion State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2007. Retrieved September 22, 2007 .
^ "Itasca State Park National Register Listing" . Minnesota Historical Society (May 1992 Update). May 1973. Retrieved September 22, 2007 .
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah Meyer, Roy Willard (1991). Everyone's Country Estate: A History of Minnesota's State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society Press. ISBN 0-87351-266-9 .
^ "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.
^ a b c d e f "Minnesota's National Register Properties" . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved October 31, 2012 .
^ Remington, Harry (March 10, 1935). "CCC Program Spurs Work in State Forest Parks" . Star Tribune . p. 28. Retrieved January 9, 2021 .
^ "Minnesota's Submerged Cultural Resources Preservation Plan" . Minnesota Historical Society. June 1997. Retrieved June 7, 2011 .
^ a b c d e f g h i Guide to Minnesota State Parks and Trails 2011 , Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2011
^ "Afton State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Banning State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Bear Head Lake State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .[permanent dead link ]
^ "Beaver Creek Valley State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Big Bog State Recreation Area" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Big Stone Lake State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Blue Mounds State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Blue Mounds State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Buffalo River State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Buffalo River State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Camden State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Camden State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Carley State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Cascade River State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Charles A. Lindbergh State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Charles A. Lindbergh State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Crow Wing State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Father Hennepin State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Afton State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Flandrau State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Fort Ridgely State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Fort Ridgely State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Fort Snelling State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Franz Jevne State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Frontenac State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Garden Island State Recreation Area" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "George H. Crosby Manitou State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Glacial Lakes State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Glendalough State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Gooseberry Falls State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Gooseberry Falls State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Grand Portage State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "State parks" .
^ "Great River Bluffs State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Interstate State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Interstate State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Itasca State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Jay Cooke State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Jay Cooke State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "John A. Latsch State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Judge C. R. Magney State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ Zeppelin, Cheri (March–April 2017). "Scientists Solve Geological Puzzle" . Minnesota Conservation Volunteer . Retrieved September 7, 2017 .
^ "Kilen Woods State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "La Salle Lake State Recreation Area" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved November 14, 2011 .
^ "Lac qui Parle State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Lac qui Parle State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Lake Bemidji State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Lake Bemidji State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Lake Bronson State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Lake Carlos State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Lake Carlos State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Lake Louise State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Lake Maria State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Lake Shetek State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Lake Shetek State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Lake Vermilion State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Maplewood State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "McCarthy Beach State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Mille Lacs Kathio State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Minneopa State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Monson Lake State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Monson Lake State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Moose Lake State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Myre-Big Island State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Old Mill State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Old Mill State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Red River State Recreation Area" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Rice Lake State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "St. Croix State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Sakatah Lake State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Savanna Portage State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Scenic State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. 2001. Retrieved September 22, 2007 .
^ "Schoolcraft State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Sibley State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Sibley State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .
^ "Split Rock Creek State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Split Rock Lighthouse State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Temperance River State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .[permanent dead link ]
^ "Tettegouche State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Whitewater State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Whitewater State Park" . Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks . Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved July 9, 2011 .[permanent dead link ]
^ "Wild River State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Wild River State Park Management Plan" (PDF) . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. February 2007. Retrieved May 8, 2012 .
^ "William O'Brien State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Zippel Bay State Park" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "State Park Waysides: Minnesota DNR" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved June 7, 2011 .
^ a b Minnesota Statute § 85.013 , Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
^ Devine, Mary (June 30, 2016). "Scenic St. Croix River park reopening after 2-month takeover" . St. Paul Pioneer Press . Retrieved September 3, 2016 .
^ "Arrowhead State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Blazing Star State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Harmony-Preston Valley Segment" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Root River Segment" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Casey Jones State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Central Lakes State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Cuyuna Lakes State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Douglas State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Gateway State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Gitchi-Gami State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Glacial Lakes State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Goodhue Pioneer State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Great River Ridge State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Heartland State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ Steve Brandt (October 9, 2015). "Section by section, Luce Line Trail dream realized" . Star Tribune . Retrieved September 13, 2016 .
^ "Luce Line State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ Brad Phenow. "DNR continues to negotiate land purchase for Mill Towns Trail in Rice County" . Faribault Daily News. Retrieved January 28, 2015 .
^ "Minnesota Valley State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "North Shore State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Paul Bunyan State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Shooting Star State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Taconite State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Willard Munger State Trail" . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 22, 2010 .
^ "Statute 85.015" . Minnesota Legislature . Retrieved February 24, 2016 .
^ "1957 Minn. Laws ch. 230" . 2006 Minnesota Statutes sec. 810 . Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Retrieved September 22, 2007 .
^ Buffington, Megan (February 27, 2024). "DNR: Abolish Hill Annex Mine State Park to allow for iron ore mining" . KAXE . Retrieved June 6, 2024 .
^ "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 .
^ "Kaplan Woods Parkway" . Parks & Recreation . City of Owatonna. Archived from the original on September 16, 2007. Retrieved September 22, 2007 .
^ "1965 Minn. Laws ch. 810, sec. 9" . 2006 Minnesota Statutes sec. 816 . Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Retrieved September 22, 2007 .
^ Stanley, Greg (May 11, 2023). "Minnesota poised to close state park, return land to Dakota tribe" . Star Tribune . Retrieved May 12, 2023 .
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
External links