In the winter in Minnesota, it’s easy to curl up inside, turn the heater on, and stay as far away from the rugged, snowy wilderness as possible for 4 or 5 months. But, you might find if you venture out of your living room, that some of Minnesota’s prettiest views, and all of Minnesota’s beauty are waiting for you. Check out these eleven state parks to visit in Minnesota, and fill your winter with fun!
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park looks stunning under a layer of snow.
Facebook/Minnesota State Parks and Trails Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
- We always see Split Rock Lighthouse during the day, but it’s even more gorgeous under the stars. Many visitors and residents alike consider this to be one of the best state parks in Minnesota.
Facebook/Christian Dalbec Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55616, USA
- Frontenac State Park is the perfect viewpoint for river bluffs along the Mississippi.
Facebook/ RJ Addison via Minnesota State Parks and Trails
- Minneopa State Park is absolutely beautiful in the winter. It’s one of the best parks in Minnesota, according to some.
Facebook/Randy Lindberg via Minnesota State Parks and Trails
- Banning State Park has some of the best stargazing around. Look at the snow-covered river banks!
Facebook/Derrick Voit via Minnesota State Parks and Trails
- Itasca State Park is unbeatable in the winter! The sunlight makes the Mississippi Headwaters unbelievably pretty.
Facebook/Adam Schroeder Photography
- Jay Cooke State Park is amazing in the changing temperatures. When the cold fronts move in, you can find some unforgettable views.
Facebook/Minnesota State Parks and Trails
- Interstate State Park in the winter is magical! The icy St. Croix Dalles are some of Minnesota’s best snowy scenery!
Facebook/Meg Ohno Flute Haman
- Cascade River State Park along the North Shore looks beautiful with a new layer of ice and snow.
Facebook/Jeff Gniffke
- Tettegouche State Park is not just pretty shore views, but also some amazing falls as well, especially when they’re starting to freeze. This park also has some of the best hiking trails in Minnesota.
Facebook/ThomasJSpence images
- But the best place for frozen falls might be Gooseberry Falls State Park in the winter. You can even climb these when they’re frozen! It’s one of the most adventurous things to do outside in Minnesota in the winter!
Facebook/Lynell Willman Ackerman
Facebook/Minnesota State Parks and Trails
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
Facebook/Christian Dalbec
Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55616, USA
Facebook/ RJ Addison via Minnesota State Parks and Trails
Facebook/Randy Lindberg via Minnesota State Parks and Trails
Facebook/Derrick Voit via Minnesota State Parks and Trails
Facebook/Adam Schroeder Photography
Facebook/Meg Ohno Flute Haman
Facebook/Jeff Gniffke
Facebook/ThomasJSpence images
Facebook/Lynell Willman Ackerman
What do you think of this list of state parks to visit in Minnesota in the winter? The beautiful views in winter are never-ending, so get outside and go exploring! Share your state park photos with us on the Only In Minnesota Facebook Page for a chance to be featured!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in the winter in minnesota January 22, 2022 Christy How should I prepare to visit these Minnesota state parks in the winter? If you’re planning to visit or explore Minnesota in the winter, then you’re likely already aware of the cold weather you will face. However, if you plan to spend time outdoors in these parks, then it’s crucial that you and your companions are dressed properly. Even on warmer winter days, frostbite can sneak up on you faster than you might expect. Be sure to wear proper footwear, warm socks, gloves, a hat, and warm layers to insulate your core. If you get cold, take a break and warm up in your car. What kind of activities are available in these parks in the winter? Some of these parks offer year-round camping opportunities, but you’ll need to be even more prepared for that than for a simple day trip. You can explore the trails in these parks in the winter and admire the unique quiet and beauty of the winter. Many offer cross-country skiing trails, snowshoe rentals, and ice fishing as well. At night, you can admire the stars and, if you’re lucky, the aurora borealis, too. Are these Minnesota state parks also good to visit in the summer? Each and every one of the state parks on this list is also lovely in the summertime. The views and activities available in each park vary based on the season, so you should visit all of them at several different times of the year if you can. You’ll have a completely different experience every time, and they’ll all be great.
The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in the winter in minnesota
January 22, 2022
Christy
How should I prepare to visit these Minnesota state parks in the winter? If you’re planning to visit or explore Minnesota in the winter, then you’re likely already aware of the cold weather you will face. However, if you plan to spend time outdoors in these parks, then it’s crucial that you and your companions are dressed properly. Even on warmer winter days, frostbite can sneak up on you faster than you might expect. Be sure to wear proper footwear, warm socks, gloves, a hat, and warm layers to insulate your core. If you get cold, take a break and warm up in your car. What kind of activities are available in these parks in the winter? Some of these parks offer year-round camping opportunities, but you’ll need to be even more prepared for that than for a simple day trip. You can explore the trails in these parks in the winter and admire the unique quiet and beauty of the winter. Many offer cross-country skiing trails, snowshoe rentals, and ice fishing as well. At night, you can admire the stars and, if you’re lucky, the aurora borealis, too. Are these Minnesota state parks also good to visit in the summer? Each and every one of the state parks on this list is also lovely in the summertime. The views and activities available in each park vary based on the season, so you should visit all of them at several different times of the year if you can. You’ll have a completely different experience every time, and they’ll all be great.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re planning to visit or explore Minnesota in the winter, then you’re likely already aware of the cold weather you will face. However, if you plan to spend time outdoors in these parks, then it’s crucial that you and your companions are dressed properly. Even on warmer winter days, frostbite can sneak up on you faster than you might expect. Be sure to wear proper footwear, warm socks, gloves, a hat, and warm layers to insulate your core. If you get cold, take a break and warm up in your car.
What kind of activities are available in these parks in the winter?
Some of these parks offer year-round camping opportunities, but you’ll need to be even more prepared for that than for a simple day trip. You can explore the trails in these parks in the winter and admire the unique quiet and beauty of the winter. Many offer cross-country skiing trails, snowshoe rentals, and ice fishing as well. At night, you can admire the stars and, if you’re lucky, the aurora borealis, too.
Are these Minnesota state parks also good to visit in the summer?
Each and every one of the state parks on this list is also lovely in the summertime. The views and activities available in each park vary based on the season, so you should visit all of them at several different times of the year if you can. You’ll have a completely different experience every time, and they’ll all be great.
