Minnesota is a truly beautiful state in it’s own right. From it’s beautiful prairies that seem to stretch into forever to it’s rustic wilderness in the great northern half of the state there is something here for everyone. You could also catch the sights and nightlife in Minneapolis or St. Paul, both are amazing cities to visit and explore.
But Minnesota also has some of the most beautiful and tranquil state parks you could ever visit. If you are a bird watcher or animal lover this is the place for you.
Situated on over 1,300 acres of prairies and wilderness Buffalo River State Park is one of my favorite places in Minnesota. I had a chance to visit it when my husband was working in Minnesota and it’s hard to describe how peaceful it felt there. This place is all natural and well preserved to protect it from development. All you will hear is the sounds of bobolinks, prairie chickens, marbled godwits and upland sandpipers that frequent this area.
There are over 70 spots to camp on along the Buffalo River and almost double that amount of picnic area’s throughout the park. You can also enjoy water activities in an area of Buffalo River roped off for swimmers. The park also has a play area near the river for children to play on. But if you enjoy hiking you have miles of trails that will lead you into the wild or through ancient prairies.
The cost for a day at the park is $5 to park you car. If you plan to stay over night and camp the cost can be anywhere from $10-$25. Some camp sites are primitive and can not be accessed by car while others have amenities within walking distance. The park is seasonal, so call ahead to make sure the date you want to go is in season.
Grand Portage State Park is located on the U.S. and Canadian border and is a favorite destination for travelers for many different reasons. You can enjoy a day on Lake Superior or if you feel like gambling you can go to the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino.
But the park itself has so much beauty to offer, including the 120 foot water fall that empties into the Pigeon River. This water fall also holds the distinction of being the highest in the state and has a boardwalk area for people who aren’t afraid of heights to look down to the lake below.
This park is only available during the day and opens at 9AM and closes at 4PM. The Parks Services asks that you carry out what you carry in. There are many trails that surround the park for hiking on and plenty of picnic tables or open space to eat at. Swimming is not allowed here and there are limited areas for children to play at, but if you enjoy nature, bird watching or taking pictures of beautiful wild flowers you will enjoy this park.
Lake Bemidji State Park is one of a handful of state parks in Minnesota that stay open year round. This makes the park the perfect place for people to visit for summer recreation or to enjoy cross-country skiing or snowmobiling in the winter.
This is another well preserved park that has been left untouched by developers. At this park you can enjoy swimming in Lake Bemidji or picnicking along the shores of the lake or anywhere else in the park. This is also a great place for bird watchers with bird season starting to take effect in the late spring when the wild flowers start to bloom. You will see Eagle’s and Osprey here in the summer which is a lot of fun. You might also enjoy the nature activities in the park and outdoor tours that the park offers during the warmer months.
Hikers will enjoy the beautiful tamarack bog that is full of showy lady’s slippers, pitcher plants, dragon’s mouth, grass pink, and insect-eating sundews. Most flowers are blooming in the bog during late spring and early summer.
You can also enjoy camping in primitive camp spots or in spots with amenities near by like showers and toilets.
