Day Trips from Minneapolis
← All Minneapolis day tripsDay Trips from Minneapolis: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Minneapolis, MN. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Minneapolis
Prairie Creek Woods Scientific and Natural Area
Nerstrand, MN 55053
Just 59 min from Minneapolis, rated 5.0 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Jay Cooke State Park
Carlton, MN 55718
Just 2 hrs 12 min from Minneapolis, rated 4.9 stars by 3,760 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lowry Nature Center in Carver Park Reserve
Victoria, MN 55386
Just 40 min from Minneapolis, rated 4.9 stars by 439 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Dalles of the Saint Croix River State Natural Area
Dresser, WI 54009
Just 1 hr 2 min from Minneapolis, rated 4.9 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Saint Croix Seeps State Natural Area
WI 54840, USA
Just 1 hr 5 min from Minneapolis, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Quarry Park Scientific and Natural Area
Waite Park, MN 56387
Just 1 hr 15 min from Minneapolis, rated 4.8 stars by 280 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Carver Park Reserve
Victoria, MN 55386
Just 32 min from Minneapolis, rated 4.8 stars by 1,024 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
River Bend Nature Center
Faribault, MN 55021
Just 59 min from Minneapolis, rated 4.8 stars by 397 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Baker Park Reserve
Orono, MN 55356
Just 27 min from Minneapolis, rated 4.7 stars by 1,366 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
Waite Park, MN 56387
Just 1 hr 10 min from Minneapolis, rated 4.7 stars by 1,770 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Wood-Rill Scientific and Natural Area (SNA)
Wayzata, MN 55391
Just 21 min from Minneapolis, rated 4.7 stars by 112 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve
Rogers, MN 55374
Just 36 min from Minneapolis, rated 4.7 stars by 519 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Minneapolis
What are the best state parks near Minneapolis, MN?
The best state parks near Minneapolis offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Minneapolis?
Most state parks near Minneapolis charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Minneapolis are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Minneapolis offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Minneapolis?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Minneapolis. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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