Minnesota State Parks
Minnesota has 58 state forests, most of which are located in the northern third of the state. What's unique about Beltrami Island State Forest is not only its size (it's our second largest state forest covering 703,366 acres) but also its living history, with an inherent sense sense of isolation while still remaining easily accessible from the North and West. You'll find miles and miles of gravel roads, making travel by car or truck relatively simple, as well unmarked logging trails that cut through the forest and offer some of the most pristine camping to be found in Minnesota.
Sandstone, MN - Big Spring Falls is a 5 ft. sandstone waterfall located south of the city of Sandstone and within the boundaries of Banning State Park. There is a small parking area at the end of Pine Ave S - a short hike along well-worn paths and the sound of rushing water will lead you to the falls.
John. A. Latsch State Park is located in Southeastern Minnesota's bluff country along Highway 61 midway between Wabasha and Winona. This is a day-use only park with a picnic area and parking for several vehicles. There are vault toilets and a steep .5 mile wooden staircase leading to Charity Bluff. A Minnesota State Parks permit is not required.
Lake Maria State Park is located in Monticello, MN about 45 minutes northwest of Minneapolis. The landscape is heavily wooded with hilly terrain and dotted by a number of lakes and wetlands. The park offers 17 backpack campsites as well as 3 camper cabins.
Minneopa State Park is Minnesota’s third oldest state park, established 1905 to preserve upper and lower Minneopa Falls and later expanded to include the prairie and Minnesota River valley north of MN 68. In 2015, 340 acres of the native prairie would be enclosed and landscaped to establish a self-sustaining heard of up to 50 genetically pure bison.
Key features of the park include upper and lower Minneopa Falls, the American Bison herd and Seppmann Mill.
Zippel Bay State Park is located in far Northwestern Minnesota on the southern shores of Lake of the Woods. The 3,000 acre park offers sandy beaches, 6 miles of hiking trails and exceptional fishing opportunities. Unlike most of Minnesota's 58 State Parks, the 4 campgrounds at Zippel Bay do not have electrical hookups for the RV crowd, creating a much more rustic camping experience. I first came to to the park by chance while on a trip across Northern Minnesota in 2009 and I've returned at least once a year ever since. This is the place to go when I want a solitary camping experience, so I feel a sense of personal betrayal when I say that this is one of Minnesota's best State Parks.