A Guide to National Parks in Minnesota

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Voyageurs National Park

What makes Voyageurs National Park special

Boat access is required (or snowmobile in the winter) putting you truly in the middle of pristine wilderness with 218,000 acres of forest and lake to explore.
Explore historical sites from indigenous communities that once lived on the land, and learn about the fur trade that took place with the European settlers.

What to do in Voyageurs National Park

Boating/paddling: Rent a boat, or bring your own to experience the park properly. One-third of the park's area is water made up of four main lakes and 26 smaller interior lakes, making Voyageur a mecca for portaging.
Hiking: There are more than 27 miles of established trails and countless miles of coastline to wander along and take in the breathtaking sights.
Camping: Ever wanted to camp on a private island? Frontcountry and backcountry camping are both available in the park, book your permit or site on the
NPS site
before you head out.
Stargazing: The deeper into the park you go, the further you get from light pollution. Summer is the best time to see stars, but if you find yourself in the park in the winter you might get a chance to bask under the Northern Lights.
Hunt for petroglyphs: Long before the Europeans started trading fur in the park, indigenous communities were calling it home. You can find some of the stone art that they left dotted around the park, the most popular site being Ellsworth Rock Garden.

When to visit Voyageurs National Park

Pipestone National Monument

What makes Pipestone National Monument special

The traditional pipestone quarry is still actively quarried by local native communities using traditional methods.
The beautiful grasslands and Winnewissa Falls offer lovely landscapes to wander through.

What to do in Pipestone

Engage with the historical practice: Onsite, you can tour the museum and participate in cultural demonstrations of traditional crafting methods (offered from May through October).
Hike circle trail: The ¾ mile trail takes you across grasslands, along Pipestone Creek, and past Winnewissa Falls.
Support local artisans: Purchase handmade crafts and jewelry at the gift shop.
Snowshoe in the winter: When the snow falls in the winter, the circle trail makes for a wonderful path to traverse on snowshoes

When to visit Pipestone National Monument

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area 

What makes the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area special

There are 72 miles of the park along the river stretching through Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
The visitors’ center exhibits and trail information teach you about the history of the Mississippi River.

What to do in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

Bike: The trail system along the river has wonderful biking paths to get around the city or to visit Minnehaha Falls, a waterfall in the middle of the city
Paddle: Drop your canoe or kayak to appreciate the park from the water. Don’t have your own boat? Go on
Paddleshare.org
for an access code to the self-serve kayak rental service and pick up a kayak from one of their kayak lockers.
Fishing: You’ll find plenty of great places to drop a line along the river. Check out the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website
for regulation and licensing requirements.
Go to the Mississippi River Visitors Center: The visitors center offers videos, exhibits, and programs to get the public engaged with the history of the Mississippi River. The Center is open year-round from Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday).

When to visit the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

Grand Portage National Monument

What makes Grand Portage National Monument special

The site preserves the heritage of the Ojibwe transit route and the history of the fur trade.
The park is located in Grand Portage Reservation on the northeastern tip of Minnesota on the north shore of Lake Superior just south of the Canadian border.

What to do at Grand Portage National Monument

Learn about the area's history: The Anishnaabe have been using the route for thousands of years, and it became an important trade route with European settlers during the fur trade. The Heritage Center offers exhibits to teach the public about the rich history of the region.
Hike the 8.5-mile portage: The portage connects the Pigeon River to Lake Superior. Hike the path surrounded by hardwoods and evergreens, as it switchbacks up Mount Rose to incredible views.
Attend the Rendezvous Days and Pow Wow: Each year on the second weekend of August, the park and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa host a celebration of Ojibwe culture with food, music, crafts, and other community events.

When to visit Grand Portage National Monument

Pro Tip The park is located in the middle of the Grand Portage Reservation. Please be respectful to the land and the community that calls it home. 

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

What makes Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway special

What to do in Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

Paddle: The best way to explore the scenic riverway is from in the river. If you don’t have your own canoe or kayak, there are plenty of rental services located along or near the river to help you out.
Appreciate the wildlife: There are tons of trails along the riverway. The area is a major migratory route of birds, the Indianhead Flowage Trail bursts with flowers in the springtime, and you can immerse yourself in all of it by hiking in and camping along the St. Croix Trail.
Have a picnic: The accessibility of the park makes it the perfect place for a family picnic. Pack your car up and head to sites like Osceola Landing to post up for the day chilling in the sun by the water.

When to visit Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

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