Minnesota State Parks List | Minnesota Maps

Buffalo River (maps)
One of the state's largest remaining virgin prairies, broken by a shady river bed along an ancient beach ridge of Glacial Lake Agassiz. Woodlands situated in among western prairie tracts, this park is probably good as a migrant trap. But just north of the park is Minnesota's well known Felton Prairie. Look here for nesting Chestnut-collared Longspur, Swainson's Hawk, Greater Prairie-Chicken, Marbled Godwit and Le Conte's Sparrow. Also possible is Prairie Falcon or Sprague's Pipit.

Charles A. Lindbergh (maps)
Forested spot with excellent access to Mississippi River; boyhood home of the famous aviator. Probably there is better birding to the southeast where nesting species include Wilson's Phalarope and Upland Sandpiper.

Crow Wing (maps)
Historic site of Crow Wing village, important in native American and white settlement history, located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Wing rivers. Standard central Minnesota fare, look for Red-shouldered Hawk, both Cuckoos and a few warblers.

Glacial Lakes (maps)
High, open prairie hills and glacial ridges surrounding a sparkling clear lake. Grebes, gulls and terns visit Lake Minnewaska just north of here. In the park, look for grassland and prairie birds.

Glendalough (maps)
With more than nine miles of undeveloped shoreline and six lakes, this angler's paradise is one of the last large tracts of undeveloped lakeshore and land in west central Minnesota. In addition to the typical motorized boating and fishing opportunities offered in the park on Molly Stark Lake, Glendalough also offers a designated "Heritage Fishery" on Annie Battle Lake.

Hayes Lake (maps)
Pristine northwoods pine forest in a remote lake setting provides opportunities to observe some of Minnesota's less common birds and wildlife. Roseau County is one of Minnesota's best for birding. Anything is possible at any time of year. Look here and nearby for boreal species such as Boreal Chickadee, Great Gray Owl and Black-backed Woodpecker.

Itasca (maps)
Fifty square miles of pristine lakes and virgin pines surrounding the source of the Mississippi River. Good for all around birding, don't expect anything rare here, but do expect a great variety of species.

Lake Bemidji (maps)
Popular year round recreation with exceptional water-based opportunities amid virgin pine forests and a pristine northern bog. Good for ducks and grebes during migration and probably a few pine forest birds in spring and summer.

Lake Bronson (maps)
Water-based recreation abounds among the colorful prairie and savanna; moose occasionally seen in park. Probably better for campers than birders, can still be productive, especialy since it has one of the few lakes in the area. May hold some surprises.

Lake Carlos (maps)
Water Steeply rolling deciduous forests and tamarack bogs meet the deep clean lake, noted for its abundance of game fish. Another park popular to campers, probably best birded in the spring.

Maplewood (maps)
Steep, wooded glacial hills of maple trees with more than 50 ponds, marshes and lakes, abundant wildlife and outstanding fall colors. For a park this far west and north, it is a little surprising to find some birds more typical of the south eastern part of the state, such as Yellow-throated Vireo, Cerulean Warbler and Northern Cardinal. This makes this park all the more interesting because of the western possibilities as well.

McCarthy Beach (maps)
Extensive sand beaches and clear lakes in the midst of a virgin pine forest. Anything is possible in the county (St. Louis), and this park, though not well known, offers much potential. In summer look for pine wood birds; in winter maybe a Snowy Owl on the lake or a Gyrfalcon nearby. In migration you may find upwards of 150 species in a single day.

Mille Lacs Kathio (maps)
Important prehistoric and historic area, including seat of Dakota Nation now with outstanding wooded trail system. Migrants in fall are funneled around Mille Lacs Lake, so fall migration is good for passerines as well as water birds such as loon, scoters, and a few shorebirds. Maybe a Snowy Owl will be out on the frozen lake in winter.

Old Mill (maps)
Typical prairie terrain is broken by a rolling river valley and historic steam-powered mill and farmstead. Good for migrant birding, you might also find a few prairie species is summer.

Zippel Bay (maps)
Wild and rustic beach with protected boat harbor on ocean-like Lake of the Woods. Endangered Piping Plovers nest near here in small numbers, and in late fall check the water for loons, sea ducks, jaegers and unusual gulls.

Banning (maps)
Spectacular rapids of the Kettle River with trails past ruins of historic sandstone quarry. Birding is typical for central Minnesota, with many nesting species, and perhaps a few good trails for warbler watching during spring migration.

Bear Head Lake (maps)
Wilderness setting with abundant wildlife and good fishing on undeveloped lakes and streams. Some northern specialties likely here include Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee and perhaps 20 species of warbler. Spruce Grouse are probably nearby.

Cascade River (maps)
Spectacular falls along the Cascade River gorge as it drops to Lake Superior. Probably best in fall and early winter, anything is possible here. Migrating species from the north are always likely here beginning in August.

Cuyuna Country Rec. Area (maps)
Abandoned by mining companies more than 20 years ago, this area of former mining pits and rock deposit stockpiles now boasts regenerated vegetation and clear lakes that draw a wide range of recreation enthusiasts. Twenty-five miles of undeveloped shoreline can be explored by boat or canoe and anglers can cast a line for trout, northerns, bass, crappies, sunfish, and walleyes.

Father Hennepin (maps)
Extensive forested shoreline on Mille Lacs Lake with excellent water recreation opportunities. Mille Lacs Lake can be very interesting in fall and early winter. Any migrant passerine is a possibility, and the lake can have equally rare waterbirds. Unusual loons, ducks and gulls are always to be looked for.

Franz Jevne (maps)
Scenic park along the shores of Rainy River on the international border. Anywhere in this county is worth birding. Though perhaps not in the park, you can look nearby for boreal specialties such as Northern Three-toed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee or Great Gray Owl. Very under-birded.

George H. Crosby Manitou (maps)
Backpacking and hiking trails cross rugged rock and forest area along the cascading Manitou River. Southbound migrants following the north shore of Lake Superior make this spot worth checking from August into December.

Gooseberry Falls (maps)
The Gooseberry River drops through a series of spectacular falls and rapids to the rocky shore of Lake Superior. Similar to other parks of Lake Superior's north shore, this park has its greatest potential for rarities in the late fall.

Grand Portage (maps)
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 obstacle to river travel, so a "carrying place," or portage, was necessary. American Indians created the ancient nine-mile trail from Lake Superior to bypass the falls. This trail became known as "The Grand Portage."

Interstate (maps)
Towering basalt cliffs, gigantic potholes and sandstone bluffs carved by glacial meltwater, along St. Croix River. A good migrant trap in some years, it also hosts several good summer birds, including Red-shouldered Hawk, Ruffed Grouse and probably Louisiana Waterthrush.

Moose Lake (maps)
Recreation opportunities on two lakes, and easy access to Interstate 35. Ruffed Grouse, Alder Flycatcher and Golden-winged Warbler make this park interesting, though suprisingly poorly known. Northern and southern species are possible here.

St. Croix (maps)
Minnesota's largest State Park on the banks of the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers, with extensive recreation opportunities among forests of pine birch and oak. Probably best for birding during migration.

Savanna Portage (maps)
Wilderness setting with several lakes; contains historic voyageurs' portage trail linking the Mississippi River and Lake Superior watersheds. Little known park with good potential. Look for warblers such as Connecticut and Golden-winged in summer, and maybe a Great Gray Owl, Northern Goshawk or Gyrfalcon in winter.

Scenic (maps)
Wilderness northwoods setting of undeveloped lakes amongst virgin pine forests with abundant wildlife. Good for real boreal species. Look for Spruce Grouse, Northern Three-toed and Black-backed Woodpecker, and maybe a Boreal Chickadee.

Schoolcraft (maps)
Along the banks of the Mississippi River, historic Indian wild-ricing site surrounded by forest of giant pines. More of northern Minnesota's good birding, this lesser known park either offers - or is near habitat that offers - such good possibilities as Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee or perhaps a Great Gray Owl (in winter).

Soudan Underground Mine (maps)
A century slips by when you visit this park. Visitors wear hard hats and journey down 2,400 feet via a "cage." On the 27th level, the transportation shifts to a rail car for a ride back into the mine as you listen to the stories of the mining days. Above ground visitors can explore the dry house, drill shop, crusher house and engine house and hike the trails in the park through a northern hardwood conifer forest, past the famous Soudan Iron Formation.

Split Rock Lighthouse (maps)
Historic lighthouse along the rocky shores of Lake Superior; excellent views of Lake Superior and trails along the shoreline. Around the lighthouse can sometimes produce good birding, especially in the fall, but birding is better near the park than actually in it.

Temperance River (maps)
Unique falls, rapids, potholes and cauldrons along the Temperance River gorge as it cascades to Lake Superior. Great for late fall migrants and winter visitants, this is the spot of Minnesota's first American Dipper record.

Tettegouche (maps)
Rugged, semi-mountainous terrain surrounds four wilderness lakes on Lake Superior's North Shore, year-round recreation information center. An excellent spot for nesting warblers, look for Canada, Black-throated Green, and especially Black-throated Blue.

Wild River (maps)
Miles of forested trails along the valley of the National St. Croix River Way provide wilderness setting near Twin Cities. Similar to St. Croix State Park, this park is probably best during spring migration. In summer, Ruffed Grouse and Red-shouldered Hawk are possible.

Big Stone Lake (maps)
Uncrowded campgrounds and good fishing at the source of the Minnesota River. A good migrant trap, and an excellent birding spot, should be checked during migration for warblers as well as possible Casual species, such as California Gull or Say's Phoebe. Also, western birds that occasionally wander eastward into Minnesota.

Blue Mounds (maps)
Buffalo now graze on historic prairie hunting grounds of the Sioux. The mound has long been a visual reference for travelers. One of the best birding spots in the state, specialties are Upland Sandpiper, Sedge Wren, Orchard Oriole and Blue Grosbeak. Also great for the occasional rarity such as Ferruginous Hawk or Mountain Bluebird.

Camden (maps)
Long a refreshing oasis for travelers across the prairie, this cool, wooded river valley descends from the open prairie, providing home for a wide variety of plants and animals. Good in migration because of its wooded areas along the Redwood River, and in winter for over-wintering species taking advantage of cover and usually open water.

Flandrau (maps)
Wooded bluffs along Cottonwood River provide impressive backdrop for walking, skiing and wildlife observation. Good in summer for deep woodland birds such as Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Wood Thrush and Scarlet Tanager. Under-birded and highly recommended.

Fort Ridgely (maps)
Rolling prairies and wooded river valleys now cover this historic site where some of the fiercest battles of the Dakota Conflict of 1862 were fought. Similar in appearance and location to Flandrau.

Kilen Woods (maps)
Oak savanna, woods prairie and rare plants along the valley of the Des Moines River contrast surrounding agricultural area. Dense woods make this park ideal for birding during migration.

Lac qui Parle (maps)
Dense woods along the lake shore of Lac qui Parle and the Minnesota River provide a haven for migrating waterfowl. A relatively interesting park (best during migration) in one of the best counties for birding. If you have the time, be sure to bird the surrounding are, especially to the west.

Lake Shetek (maps)
An important site during the 1862 Dakota Conflict; today a popular water recreation area. Good woods, good location and good potential make this under-birded park (and county) a good place to explore. Western birds are always a possibility, especially on the lake or along the shore.

Minneopa (maps)
Oak-strewn prairie dotted with giant glacial boulders gives way to the spectacular tumble of the twin Minneopa Falls. Field birds such as Upland Sandpiper and Grasshopper Sparrow as well as woodland birds like Wood Thrush and Scarlet Tanager are possible here.

Monson Lake (maps)
A mixture of hardwood forests, wetlands and lakes provides excellent habitat for a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. Probably best birded in spring or fall, might harbor some interesting species in early summer as well.

Sibley (maps)
Sandy shore of Lake Andrew gives way to hardwood forests rising to Mt. Tom, which provides an excellent view of surrounding forests, prairie knolls and farmland. Good park for cuckoos, tanagers and other woodland birds. A Yellow-throated Warbler (Casual) spent a summer here not once but twice.

Split Rock Creek (maps)
Exceptional remnants of native prairie, with wooded areas and Split Rock Lake, make this a popular year-round recreation site. Grebes, ducks and gulls on the lake, and migrant passerines along the shore.

Upper Sioux Agency (maps)
Historic site of the government outpost on the banks of the Yellow Medicine and Minnesota Rivers. Yellow Medicine County has some of the more interesting birding areas, especially in the far west. If birding in the park is slow, drive the roads to the west and look for Lark Buntings, Chestnut-collared Longspurs, or maybe a Ferruginous Hawk or Say's Phoebe.

Beaver Creek Valley (maps)
Springfed Beaver Creek winds its way through a scenic valley formed by rugged limestone bluffs. One of the best places in the state for Acadian Flycatcher, Cerulean Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush. Tufted Titmouse also possible.

Big Island (maps)
This park has something for everyone. The trails take visitors around wet lowlands, oak savanna, and grasslands. Albert Lea Lake and park marshes draw hundreds of waterfowl during migration. Oak savanna and prairie landscape, including wetlands, dominate most of the park.

Carley (maps)
Scenic pine-covered hills overlook the Whitewater River with its rugged steep-sloped valley. Interesting habitat and southeastern specialties, this park is probably way under-birded.

Forestville/Mystery Cave (maps)
Visit Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park to see natural wonders above and below ground. In the summer, beat the heat with a visit below ground. Explore the world of Mystery Cave with its stalactites, stalagmites and underground pools. Park naturalists provide tours of the cave throughout the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall.

Frontenac (maps)
Located on the Mississippi River, Frontenac is a birdwatcher's paradise. It's one of the best spots in the country to view birds migrating in the spring and fall. More than 260 species of birds have been recorded here.

Great River Bluffs (maps)
This is beautiful bluff country! The park contains two Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs), King's and Queen's Bluff. The King's Bluff trail offers a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River Valley. Bring your binoculars; the river valley is a major flyway for waterfowl, eagles, and hawks.

John A. Latsch (maps)
John A. Latsch, a successful Winona businessman and founder of the Izaak Walton League, loved to fish in the waters of the Mississippi River below the bluffs of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Today, a half-mile hike up the deep ravine for a view from these peaks is well worth the effort.

Lake Louise (maps)
Sparkling lake and abundant wildlife are found in this natural oasis in the rich farmland of Southern Minnesota. If you're in the area, stop in for a look, but don't expect much. The park is small, and the birding is probably better elsewhere. Still, this is an under-birded area, and south eastern rarities, such as Yellow-breasted Chat or Louisiana Waterthrush are always a possibility.

Nerstrand Big Woods (maps)
Outstanding remnant of pre-settlement "Big Woods," secluded valleys and wide variety of plant and animal life. Great birding spot, well know for many years. Has produced White-eyed Vireo; it hosts nesting Cerulean and Blue-winged Warblers. Heavily visited by people interested in things other than birds, still always worth a visit.

Rice Lake (maps)
Long ago, American Indians harvested wild rice from this lake where today, the shallow waters and marshy edges of Rice Lake attract many waterfowl during migrations. Rice Lake is a major wetland in the area. Visitors enjoy camping under the tall hardwoods, photographing spring wildflowers, picnicking, and birdwatching.

Sakatah Lake (maps)
Rolling landscape of hills and ravines, varying from "Big Woods" to prairie, with access to Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. A rim of trees and long trails around the lake, this park is good in spring and early summer. Look for cuckoos and warblers.

Whitewater (maps)
Picturesque limestone bluffs and deep ravines make Whitewater State Park a very popular southeastern park. The 2,700 acre park is an angler's paradise with brown, brook, and rainbow trout swimming in the spring-fed Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek. Visitors enjoy a sandy swimming beach, a year-round visitor center, easy-to-challenging hiking trails, camping, a group camp, and a modern group center.

Afton (maps)
Wilderness atmosphere of forested hills and prairie on the St. Croix River near the metro area. Worth exploring at any time of year, habitat includes deciduous and coniferous woods, and fields.

Fort Snelling (maps)
Forested river valley park hosts abundant wildlife within the metropolitan area, at the junction of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Just south of the Twin Cities, it can be good for migrants, though unfortunatly too close to the airport.

Lake Maria (maps)
Rough, wooded terrain dotted with several lakes, ponds and marshes characterize terminal moraines left here by the last glacier. Deep woodland birds such as Ruffed Grouse and Barred Owl make this park interesting, if not exactly exciting.

Minnesota Valley Rec. Area (maps)
Just minutes from the Twin Cities, this state recreation area preserves part of the Minnesota River Valley. The Minnesota Valley Trail links Fort Snelling State Park and units of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge to waysides and other public lands. The area is ideal for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and snowmobiling.

William O'Brien (maps)
Year-round recreation on the wild and scenic St. Croix River, among rolling wooded hills and flood plain forests. Because it is so close to the Twin Cities, it may be filled with people on weekends. Still, in spring, it may be worth a visit.