6 Minnesota National Parks and National Park Service Sites to Visit

While Minnesota doesn’t have dozens of national parks like states in the great Southwest (in fact it’s only got one), this state is filled with outdoor adventures and is home to two national monuments, and a number of national recreation areas and national trails that bear major significance in the history of the United States.

They’re also stunning places to visit while on vacation or daycation in Minnesota. In this article, we will break down the stunning Voyageurs National Park and other terrific national park service sites across Minnesota.

List of Minnesota National Parks

Here are all the national parks and national park service sites in Minnesota.

Minnesota National Parks & National Park Service Sites

1. Grand Portage National Monument

Grand Portage National Monument is a United States National Monument and Historic Site. It is located on the north shore of Lake Superior, in the northeast corner of Minnesota near Canada–US border.

The park lies within Grand Portage Indian Reservation and is open to the public. The park was established in 1978.

The Grand Portage National Historic Site is unique because it allows visitors to travel back in time and explore the ties between the Grand Portage Ojibwe and the North West Company during the North American fur trade.

There are a few great places to stay near the visitor center. The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino is a great place to stay, as is the Pines Resort. Both of these resorts are located right on the lake and offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.

See Related: Best Minnesota State Parks

2. Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a great place to explore the history of the Mississippi River. This is one of my personal favorite areas to explore in the Twin Cities. There is so much to see and is underrated even amongst the locals. You can hike, bike, fish, or canoe the Mississippi River Bluffs and learn a ton about the history of the Great River.

There are quite a few great hiking trails along the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities. The most popular trails are the Cedar Lake Trail, the Stone Arch Bridge, and the Father Hennepin Bluffs Trail.

The Cedar Lake Trail is a 4.5-mile trail that winds through Cedar Lake Park. The Stone Arch Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the Mississippi River. The Father Hennepin Bluffs Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that offers great views of the river valley.

If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, the Gateway State Trail is a great option. This 18-mile trail runs from St. Paul to Hastings. The trail is paved, making it perfect for biking, running, or walking. The trail also features a number of scenic overlooks and bridges.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the scenery, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is a great option.

This refuge consists of 12,000 acres of land and water. The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and beavers. The refuge also offers a number of hiking and biking trails.

There are a number of great places to stay near the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities. The most popular options include hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts.

The Hewing Hotel is a great option for those looking for a centrally located hotel in Minneapolis that is also close to the Mighty Mississippi. This hotel is close to a number of restaurants and shopping options.

See Related: Best & Fun Things to Do in Minneapolis, MN

3. North Country National Scenic Trail

Minnesota’s North Country National Scenic Trail winds for 4,600 miles from the prairies of North Dakota to the forests of Vermont (the great eight states of the North Country trail).

Along the way, it passes through the bluffs and valleys of Minnesota’s Driftless Area, where you can find stunning views of the Mississippi River Valley.

The trail is open to hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers. There are also a number of side trails that lead to interesting sites like the Temperance River State Park, Tettegouche State Park, and Interstate State Park.

The North Country National Scenic Trail is a great place for an outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing ride through the woods, you’ll find something to love on the North Country Trail.

See Related: Best Waterfalls in Minnesota to Visit

4. Pipestone National Monument

The Pipestone National Monument is a sacred site to many Native Americans. For centuries, they have quarried the red pipestone found at the monument for use in prayer pipes.

The site is considered sacred because the pipestone quarried here is believed to carry prayers to the Great Spirit. Even today, many Native Americans come to the monument to quarry and carve pipes.

The traditions of pipe making and quarrying at the Pipestone National Monument are an important part of the site’s history. These activities have been carried out by many different tribes over the years, and they continue to play a significant role in the lives of Native Americans today.

If you’re interested in learning more about these traditions, be sure to visit the Pipestone National Monument. It’s a fascinating place with a lot of history and culture to explore.

There are a few different places to stay in Pipestone, Minnesota. If you’re looking for a hotel, the Comfort Inn is a great option. It’s a brand-new hotel with all the amenities you could want, including a pool, a fitness center, and a free breakfast.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Native American experience, you can stay at the White Eagle Inn. This historic hotel is located on the grounds of the Pipestone National Monument, and it offers a variety of rooms, including some that come with traditional tipis.

No matter where you stay in Pipestone, you’re sure to have a great time. The city is full of friendly people, interesting attractions, and delicious food. So be sure to add it to your list of places to visit in Minnesota.

5. Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

The Saint Croix River National Scenic Riverway is a river trail in the United States that snakes the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota.

It is federally protected and is a great spot to visit any time of the year. The river flows for 881 miles (1,414 km), making it the longest river in the state of Minnesota.

The Saint Croix River was designated a National Scenic Riverway in 1968, one of the first rivers in the United States to be given this designation. Justly so, as many parts of the driveway give off hearty Eden vibes.

The Namekagon River is a river in the United States that flows from its source in northern Wisconsin to its confluence with the Saint Croix River just across the border in Minnesota. Together, the two rivers form the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a protected area under the National Park Service.

See Related: How to Pack for a Camping Trip

6. Voyageurs National Park

And finally, Minnesota’s sole national park; Voyageurs National Park is named after the French-Canadian fur traders who were the first to explore the area. These hardy traders were known as voyageurs, which means “travelers.”

They traveled the waterways of North America in canoes, trading goods with the Native Americans in exchange for furs. The Voyageurs National Park, which covers more than 430,000 acres (1,730 km2), was established in 1975. The park is home to a variety of fauna including moose, deer, bears, beavers, and wolves.

Voyageurs National Park is a paradise for those who love adventure. The park has many beautiful features, including exposed rock ridges, cliffs, wetlands, forests, and streams.

The park is also home to a variety of aquatic ecosystems, making it the perfect place for those who love water sports. In addition, the park is located in a transition zone between the boreal and hardwood forests, providing visitors with a unique experience.

Finally, the park is also close to various developed areas, making it easy for visitors to find everything they need.

The park is home to a variety of ecosystems, making it the perfect place for those who love nature. In addition, the park is located in a transition zone between two different types of forests, providing visitors with a unique experience.

Finally, the park is also close to various developed areas, making it easy for visitors to find everything they need. There are a number of great places to stay near Voyageurs National Park. If you are looking for a rustic experience, there are a number of campgrounds in the area that will fit the bill.

If you are looking for a more comfortable experience, there are also a number of resorts and hotels in the area. No matter what type of accommodation you are looking for, you will be able to find something near Voyageurs National Park. The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is 11 miles east of International Falls. Kabetogama Lake and Ash River have visitor centers as well.

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Related Resources

• Best Lake Towns in Minnesota to Visit
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• Best National Parks in the USA
• Cascade River State Park Travel Guide