Parks & Forests
Open Spaces & Wild Places
Untamed natural beauty covers much of the Minnesota landscape. The state has one of the nation's great, diverse state park systems with more than 227,000 acres in parks and recreation areas, and over 5,000 miles of biking trails. Voyageurs National Park is traversable only by water. Minnesota is also home to the Chippewa and Superior national forests, the latter of which includes the famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You'll also find many campgrounds and parks at the regional, county and city levels.
Trek into Nature
The state is full of scenic hiking trails, many of them offering breathtaking panoramic views, cascading waterfalls and rich, diverse wildlife. From the state's southern border to its northernmost reaches, discover Minnesota's most impressive hiking.
Take your pups on a winter hiking adventure / Alyssa Hei
Hiker at Minneopa State Park in Mankato / Roy Son
Sunset on the Superior Hiking Trail / Alyssa Hei
Explore on Two Wheels
Cyclists love exploring Minnesota by bike, whether it’s on a gravel road, paved waterfront trail, wooded mountain bike trail or in the snow on a fat tire bike. If your preferred method of transit is on two wheels, Minnesota is your place.
Le Grand du Nord takes riders on a hilly gravel adventure along the North Shore of Lake Superior / Visit Cook County
Fat biking the Sechler Park River Bottoms Trail in Northfield / Anna Min
There's no shortage of rock rolls on the Piedmont trails / Pinkbike
Set up Camp
For the ultimate outdoor adventure, sleep under the stars. There are many ways to camp: Pitch a tent at a remote campsite, rent a rustic cabin or bring a well-appointed RV packed with modern amenities. Discover camping, your style.
Warm coffee by the campfire / Micah Kvidt
A woman leans against her RV to enjoy a morning cup of coffee while basking in the forest scenery / Andrey Armyagov - stock.adobe.com
Camping with dogs in the Superior National Forest / Alyssa Hei
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A moose in the mist near Grand Marais / Travis Novitsky
With so much wilderness, Minnesota’s parks and preserves are home to thriving populations of moose, bears, beavers, deer and many species of birds that are hard to spot anywhere else. Discover more about Minnesota’s wildlife.
Read More about Wildlife Along the Trail
Northern lights over a houseboat in Voyageurs National Park
The U.S. National Park Service boasts several parks within Minnesota, from the renowned Voyageurs National Park, which is only accessible by boat or snowmobile, to the tumbling waterfalls of Pipestone National Monument.
Read More about National Parks
Three hunters and their dog head into the forest in search of grouse
With the state's vast wilderness, hunting is a popular sport throughout much of the year. Learn about what to hunt (from deer and small game to grouse and waterfowl), and get the details on permitting, seasonality, regulations and more.
Read More about Hunting
Climb the 100-foot fire tower at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park / @katiehadleyxo
From a prairie teeming with bison to the headwaters of the Mississippi, Minnesota’s robust state parks showcase the state's natural wonder with miles of trails, thousands of waterways and acres of untouched wilderness.
Read More about State ParksFind Nature Centers, Parks, Forests, Trails & Guides
Get help from the experts to plan your trip
Want to know the best spots in Minnesota? How about tips on how to make the most of your time in a specific city? Our Minnesota experts can answer your questions, offer advice, or plan the perfect Minnesota trip for you. For free.