05.03.11
Explore Some of Minnesota’s State Parks
Plan your next excursion to Minnesota for some of the most beautiful state parks in the country. Saint Croix State Park, in Pine County, is the largest in Minnesota. It covers 33,000 acres along the shores of the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers. You can canoe or kayak on the rivers, go mountain biking or horseback riding. Climb to the cab of the fire tower, 134 steps up. Enjoy 127 miles of hiking trails, and snowmobiling and cross country skiing in the winter. Big Bog Recreation Area is located by Waskish, Minnesota. Over 9,000 acres of swamps, bogs and islands make for a unique visit. Take the Bog Walk to explore many types of trees and wetlands, and keep your eyes open for bald eagles, black bears and even moose.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park includes the childhood home of aviator Charles Lindbergh. This is a peaceful, fairly undeveloped park where you can camp and even canoe on the Mississippi River.
Jay Cooke State Park runs along the St. Louis River, near Duluth, Minnesota. The scenic overlooks are breathtaking along the hiking trails. Several trails are open to mountain biking as well. Black bears and coyotes are often spotted along here.