Minnesota’s Most Beautiful State Parks are a Must-Visit

Minnesota is home to so many amazing state parks where you can hike, camp, fish, boat... so many options! Our great outdoors is pretty awesome and one of the things I love about Minnesota.

But with so many state parks and so little time, how do you decide which ones should be on your 'must-visit' list? I've got you! Based on studies and also a little of my own opinion, I have some of Minnesota's most beautiful state parks below.

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Itasca State Park

Park Rapids is home to Itasca State Park, which is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi. I've been there myself a long time ago and I remember it being super cool.

The blog Love Exploring named this as Minnesota's most beautiful state park. They write that beyond exploring the headwaters of the Mississippi, "there are more than 100 lakes, plus peaceful red and white pine forests."

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Judge CR Magney State Park

In Grand Marais, you'll find Judge CR Magney State Park. This is one that I added to the list. My husband and I went camping here a few years ago and I loved it.

The campground specifically is covered by so many trees, it's beautiful, and if you're looking to really get away, I got zero cell reception once we were in the campground area. It's also home to the Devil's Kettle waterfall which is a waterfall that looks like it's disappearing into the rock. It's super cool!

Tettegouche State Park

Also along Lake Superior in Silver Bay is Tettegouche State Park. Thrillist named this one the best state park in Minnesota, and rightfully so. Tettegouche is super pretty and there are so many trails to explore here.

Thrillist writes, "this scenic Midwestern park offers everything from stunning views of jagged cliffs over Lake Superior, to roaring waterfalls, to forested hikes".

Whitewater State Park

Going to the opposite side of the state, in southeast Minnesota, in Altura specifically, is Whitewater State Park. This is another one of my personal contributions to the list.

My husband and I love hiking at Whitewater. The trails are awesome, the views are incredible when you're up along the cliffs, and they also say that Whitewater is more likely to have fewer mosquitos than other state parks in Minnesota. Just saying.

READ MORE: Minnesota State Parks Proven to Have Less Mosquitos