State of Minnesota

States

Minnesota State Outdoor Activities

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State Parks

Grand Portage
Torrents of wild water plummet 120 feet over the High Falls down to the Pigeon River in this park on the U.S. - Canadian border. The falls, the highest in the state, presented a serious obstacles to river travel, so a "carrying place", or portage, was necessary. American Indian created a nine mile trail from Lake Superior to bypass the falls. This trail became known as the "grand portage". For information call: (800)657-3535
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Blue Mounds
Within the park visitors can view the Sioux quartzite cliff, rising 100 feet from the plains, a bison heard as it grazes on the prairie, and prickly pear cacti as they bloom in June and July. For information call: (800)657-3535
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Charles A. Lindbergh
Description: Located on the Mississippi River, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park offers visitors a quaint picnic area which includes a historic Work Projects Administration (WPA) picnic shelter and a stone water tower. Visitors can stop in the historic boyhood home of famous aviator, Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr. The home is operated by the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) and is adjacent to the park. For information call: (800)657-3535
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Itasca
Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Walk across the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. For information call: (800)657-3535
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Forestville/Mystery Cave
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park offers natural wonders, above and below ground. Visitors can explore Mystery Cave, decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools. Park naturalists provide tours of the cave. Historic Forestville, a restored 1800's village operated by the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) is also within the park. For information call: (800)657-3535
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Camping and Hiking in

Super Hiking Trail
This trail, a National Recreation Trail, is the long distance hiking trail high atop the scenic ridge lines overlooking the north shore of Lake Superior. Clifftops reaching 1,000 feet above the Lake offer panoramas including Lake Superior, the Sawtooth mountains, many inland lakes, and wilderness forests. Primitive camping is available along the trail and there is access to the state park with camping located along the North Shore. For information call: (800)657-3535
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MN State Parks
Minnesota offers seventy state parks and recreation areas covering all areas with the state. The majority of state parks offer camping ranging from primitive walk-in sites to camping sites with water and electricity. Along with camping, most state parks offer miles of hiking trails. For information call: (800)657-3535
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Hunting and Fishing in

MN Wildlife Lands
Minnesota's 1,034 WMAs are wetlands, uplands, or woods owned and managed for wildlife by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Hunting is open to the public during regular seasons. Lac Qui Parle Wildlife area is a good spot for hunting Canadian Geese. For information call: (800)657-3535
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MN State Forests
The three million acres encompassed by Minnesota's 56 state forest hold game such as moose, deer, bear, and ruffed grouse. Except in a few portions, these areas are entirely open to public. For information call: (800)657-3535
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Chippewa and Superior National Forest
These forest areas are in northern Minnesota and are open to public hunting. For information call: (800)657-3535
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Mille Lacs Lake
Minnesota's second largest lake covers more than 200 square miles. This lake is the top walleye produce lake in the state. In winter months, Mille Lacs Lake is home to over four and ice houses annually. For information call: (800)657-3535
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Lake Vermilion
This lake is over 40,000 acres in size with more than 1,200 miles of shoreline, and 365 islands. For information call: (800)657-3535
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Other Outdoor activities

also offers the following outdoor activities:

• Boundary Waters Canoe Area: Established in 1978, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) has changed little since the glaciers melted. With over 1,500 miles of canoe routes, nearly 2,200 designated campsites, and more than 1,000 lakes and streams waiting, the BWCAW draws thousands of visitors each year. The BWCAW is part of the Superior National Forest. Wilderness camping, canoeing, and hiking are the mail activities in the area.
• White water canoeing and kayaking on the Kettle and St. Louis Rivers. The St. Louis River also offers the opportunity for white water rafting.
• Biking/blading trails in Minnesota include nine state trails for biking and blading. Many communities throughout the state offer paved multiple use trails. Mountain bike trails are spread throughout the state and many of the downhill ski areas convert their ski slopes to mountain bike trails in the summertime.
• Boating and fishing opportunities abound on the more than eleven thousand lakes and rivers.
• Snowmobiling, downhill and cross country skiing, and the snowboarding are some of the winter activities offered at ski resorts throughout the state and on state, county, and city trails.