The Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to 68 state parks. Among these are popular getaways such as Gooseberry Falls, Fort Snelling, and Itasca. Thanks to their beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and historic sites, it’s no surprise that these are some of the best parks in Minnesota. With that being said, there are plenty of other little-known parks that deserve more visitors. The one we’d like to feature today is Schoolcraft State Park, which happens to be a lesser known state park to visit in Minnesota. Even though this state park isn’t well known, it’s still full of natural beauty, wildlife, and, maybe most importantly, peace and quiet. To learn more about Schoolcraft State Park, take a look below.

Schoolcraft State Park is a small park in Deer River, Minnesota, about 180 miles north of the Twin Cities. The park is small, covering about 225 acres along the Mississippi River.

Ben Cedarberg/Google

Though small, Schoolcraft State Park has plenty to see and do. It’s well worth visiting for a weekend camping trip. There are both RV and tent-only sites available at the park.

John Neitz/Google

Aside from camping, hiking is another popular activity at the park. There are only two miles of hiking trails, so you can easily explore the park during one visit.

Schoolcraft State Park/Google

As you hike, you’ll come across some beautiful sights. For example, Schoolcraft State Park is home to an old pine forest. Some of the trees here are more than 300 years old.

Luke Alfuth/Google

You’ll also find many places to sit down and enjoy the scenery. Because this is one of Minnesota’s least visited state parks, you’re almost guaranteed peace and quiet.

Brett Whaley/Flickr

If you get tired from hiking, try getting out on the water. The park is situated along the banks of the upper Mississippi River, a marshy area that is home to plenty of wildlife. Boat launches make it easy to canoe here.

Erik Laing/Google

As you paddle down the river, you’ll have a real chance to be at one with nature. And with few people nearby, it’ll just be you, the woods, the water, and the sky. What could be more relaxing than that?

Brett Maxwell/Google

Have you ever visited Schoolcraft State Park? If so, what did you think about it? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments. Also, be sure to take a look at our past article about 11 of Minnesota’s most under-appreciated state parks.

Ben Cedarberg/Google

John Neitz/Google

Schoolcraft State Park/Google

Luke Alfuth/Google

Brett Whaley/Flickr

Erik Laing/Google

Brett Maxwell/Google

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 9042 Schoolcraft Ln NE, Deer River, MN 56636, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

state park to visit in minnesota February 24, 2022 Jennifer Young What are three of the best state parks in Minnesota for camping?

  1. Afton State Park Afton State Park is located just outside of St. Paul and along the St. Croix River. It offers a variety of camping options, including 28 rustic campsites, cabins with electricity, and a few yurts. Afton State Park is a wonderful place for a weekend getaway with the entire family.
  2. Tettegouche State Park Tettegouche State Park offers some of the best camping in Minnesota. Situated on the north shore of Lake Superior, about an hour north of Duluth, this 9,300-acre park is great for campers of all skill levels. Camping is available year-round, which includes 22 electric sites, 28 drive-in sites, five backpack sites, and more.
  3. Itasca State Park Founded in 1891, Itasca State Park is Minnesota’s oldest state park. Covering approximately 33,000 acres, it’s also one of the biggest. Itasca State Park, which is located in Park Rapids, Michigan, offers more than 300 campsites that are perfect for an overnight stay. Some of them even have internet access. What are some of the most popular things to do outside in Minnesota? When it comes to outdoor recreation, Minnesota offers some of the very best activities for all ages. From hiking and camping, to swimming and fishing, the options are endless when visiting the Land of 10,000 Lakes. A variety of snow activities are also enjoyed by many, including snow skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, etc. What are three of the best hiking trails in Minnesota? Minnesota is a great place to be if you enjoy hiking because there are a variety of trails located throughout the state. Five of the best hiking trails in Minnesota include the following:
  4. Silver Creek Trail Silver Creek Trail is a 3.4-mile loop trail that’s located within Jay Cooke State Park. It has an easy rating in terms of difficulty, which means it’s great for all skill levels.
  5. Wolf Creek Falls Trail Wolf Creek Falls Trail is a 1.5-mile, out-and-back trail that’s located within Banning State Park. It also has an easy rating in terms of difficulty, so everyone should be able to hike it.
  6. Superior Hiking Trail Located within Jay Cooke State Park, Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail is a 283.7-mile, point-to-point trail. It has a moderate rating in terms of difficulty, which means most people should be able to hike it comfortably.

The OIYS Visitor Center

state park to visit in minnesota

February 24, 2022

Jennifer Young

What are three of the best state parks in Minnesota for camping?

  1. Afton State Park Afton State Park is located just outside of St. Paul and along the St. Croix River. It offers a variety of camping options, including 28 rustic campsites, cabins with electricity, and a few yurts. Afton State Park is a wonderful place for a weekend getaway with the entire family.
  2. Tettegouche State Park Tettegouche State Park offers some of the best camping in Minnesota. Situated on the north shore of Lake Superior, about an hour north of Duluth, this 9,300-acre park is great for campers of all skill levels. Camping is available year-round, which includes 22 electric sites, 28 drive-in sites, five backpack sites, and more.
  3. Itasca State Park Founded in 1891, Itasca State Park is Minnesota’s oldest state park. Covering approximately 33,000 acres, it’s also one of the biggest. Itasca State Park, which is located in Park Rapids, Michigan, offers more than 300 campsites that are perfect for an overnight stay. Some of them even have internet access. What are some of the most popular things to do outside in Minnesota? When it comes to outdoor recreation, Minnesota offers some of the very best activities for all ages. From hiking and camping, to swimming and fishing, the options are endless when visiting the Land of 10,000 Lakes. A variety of snow activities are also enjoyed by many, including snow skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, etc. What are three of the best hiking trails in Minnesota? Minnesota is a great place to be if you enjoy hiking because there are a variety of trails located throughout the state. Five of the best hiking trails in Minnesota include the following:
  4. Silver Creek Trail Silver Creek Trail is a 3.4-mile loop trail that’s located within Jay Cooke State Park. It has an easy rating in terms of difficulty, which means it’s great for all skill levels.
  5. Wolf Creek Falls Trail Wolf Creek Falls Trail is a 1.5-mile, out-and-back trail that’s located within Banning State Park. It also has an easy rating in terms of difficulty, so everyone should be able to hike it.
  6. Superior Hiking Trail Located within Jay Cooke State Park, Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail is a 283.7-mile, point-to-point trail. It has a moderate rating in terms of difficulty, which means most people should be able to hike it comfortably.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

  1. Afton State Park

Afton State Park is located just outside of St. Paul and along the St. Croix River. It offers a variety of camping options, including 28 rustic campsites, cabins with electricity, and a few yurts. Afton State Park is a wonderful place for a weekend getaway with the entire family.

  1. Tettegouche State Park

Tettegouche State Park offers some of the best camping in Minnesota. Situated on the north shore of Lake Superior, about an hour north of Duluth, this 9,300-acre park is great for campers of all skill levels. Camping is available year-round, which includes 22 electric sites, 28 drive-in sites, five backpack sites, and more.

  1. Itasca State Park

Founded in 1891, Itasca State Park is Minnesota’s oldest state park. Covering approximately 33,000 acres, it’s also one of the biggest. Itasca State Park, which is located in Park Rapids, Michigan, offers more than 300 campsites that are perfect for an overnight stay. Some of them even have internet access.

What are some of the most popular things to do outside in Minnesota?

When it comes to outdoor recreation, Minnesota offers some of the very best activities for all ages. From hiking and camping, to swimming and fishing, the options are endless when visiting the Land of 10,000 Lakes. A variety of snow activities are also enjoyed by many, including snow skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, etc.

What are three of the best hiking trails in Minnesota?

Minnesota is a great place to be if you enjoy hiking because there are a variety of trails located throughout the state. Five of the best hiking trails in Minnesota include the following:

  1. Silver Creek Trail

Silver Creek Trail is a 3.4-mile loop trail that’s located within Jay Cooke State Park. It has an easy rating in terms of difficulty, which means it’s great for all skill levels.

  1. Wolf Creek Falls Trail

Wolf Creek Falls Trail is a 1.5-mile, out-and-back trail that’s located within Banning State Park. It also has an easy rating in terms of difficulty, so everyone should be able to hike it.

  1. Superior Hiking Trail

Located within Jay Cooke State Park, Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail is a 283.7-mile, point-to-point trail. It has a moderate rating in terms of difficulty, which means most people should be able to hike it comfortably.